Prólogo

Artificial intelligence is ubiquitous, as promise or nightmare. It is associated with the prospects of solving tedious problems, making better use of material resources and saving time. At the same time, concerns arise that it will replace human beings, cause mass unemployment and kill creativity and freedom.

Many see society threatened by algorithms that can empower, but also manipulate and replace human intelligence. If we define democracy as a debate, a conversation about ideas, what impact will it have if our interlocutor is a machine, a device without feelings? How do we negotiate about government plans and allocate resources with an artifact with no past and no responsibility for the future?

Artificial intelligence is emerging in times marked by the threat of war in a context of global environmental, energy and civilizational problems. AI is presented as a tool for better management, but it requires an awareness of the risks involved in its application without institutional support.

From our commitment to democracy in Diálogo Político, we want to encourage an exchange based on diverse perspectives. For this purpose, we have invited a dozen international experts.

“To thrive in the digital age, democracies must foster a culture of critical thinking and media literacy among their citizens,” says U.S. political scientist Sarah Kreps, who analyses in this issue the impact of AI in elections through the systematic use of deepfakes. The executive director of Transparencia Electoral, Jesús Delgado Valery, adds that the use of AI can transform campaigns through tools that allow the identification of groups of voters and the appropriation of their personal data.

The philosopher Daniel Innerarity doubts that “algorithms can take over the entire political process, with the efficiency they sometimes promise and with the legitimacy that should justify this new regime”. To resolve this we need to examine the expectations of algorithmic governance and its limits.

“The transformative power and disruptive potential of AI requires ethical governance. Responsible anticipation and future-literate use are key elements in policymaking,” says expert Lydia Garrido.

AI is part of a transition that needs to be regulated. Ximena Docarmo of InnovaLab looks at some possible regulatory models. On the other hand, Denisse Rodriguez-Olivari, presents the potential of AI in the fight against corruption that afflicts democratic institutions. The efficient analysis of large amounts of data makes it possible to quickly identify anomalies and act accordingly.

Another issue affecting democracies in the continent is security. Gustavo Flores-Macías and Bárbara Hernández highlight in their chapter the need for the responsible and ethical use of AI to maximize its benefits and mitigate the risks it poses to civil liberties in Latin American democracies.

Philosopher Miguel Pastorino warns about the potential for hijacking the truth and freedom of human beings. In the same vein, Christoph Nehring, expert of the KAS disinformation program, explores the effects and implications of AI-generated disinformation and the special role of influencers and journalists in identifying and combating disinformation.

Democracy learns from mistakes and creates a framework for settling differences and conflicts. Its legitimacy is based on transparency in the search for solutions, decision-making processes and accountability. This requires an informed and active citizenry. As our interviewee, expert Lars Zimmermann, says: “Technology will not relieve us of the tasks of democracy.”

Sebastian Grundberger y Manfred Steffen