Data Talks - "AI and Elections - Insights from the EU Election and Beyond" - 1 July 2024

In 2024, the global participation in elections is unprecedented, with over 4 billion people eligible to cast their votes in elections covering more than 60 countries worldwide. Drawing inspiration from recent and upcoming elections, including the European Parliament elections, alongside a series of elections that have unfolded in the first half of the year, it becomes evident that democracies worldwide are grappling with the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.

The advancement in AI presents both opportunities and challenges. While it offers powerful, easy-to-access tools for candidates to engage with voters and for citizens to participate in civic discourse, it also comes with multiple risks. Malicious actors, ranging from hostile states to destabilizing actors, now possess the means to manipulate public opinion on scale, spread disinformation, hate speech, and deepfakes with a rapid speed and high frequency, and thus erode trust in electoral processes and outcomes. The real-world consequences of these cyber threats are already visible, with recent elections in Bangladesh, Slovakia, Indonesia, India, Mexico and beyond serving as cautionary tales. From generated images and deepfake videos to orchestrated disinformation campaigns, the electoral integrity is changing in the digital age.

As we gathered to reflect on the experiences of the EU elections and gained insights from other electoral contexts, we stressed the importance of understanding the role of AI in elections and pointed to the urgent need to strengthen our democratic institutions against emerging threats. By examining lessons learned and identifying best practices, we aimed to equip ourselves with the tools necessary to safeguard the integrity of upcoming elections in 2024 and beyond. Listen to this critical dialogue as we navigated the intersection of AI and elections, collected and shared best practices, and suggested a course toward resilient democracies in an era defined by technological disruption.

Speakers:
• Mark Scott, Chief Technology Correspondent, POLITICO
• Dr. Katja Muñoz, Researcher in Democracy and AI, German Council on Foreign Relations
• Ginny Badanes, General Manager, Democracy Forward, Microsoft

Moderator:
• Branka Panic, Senior Advisor, Data Innovation Lab, German Federal Foreign Office