University of Ottawa AI + Society and IVADO release a global policy brief on Artificial Intelligence

The world grapples with the profound impact of artificial intelligence on democratic processes. A concerted global effort is underway to safeguard electoral integrity. This is crucial to uphold democracy in the face of AI-driven interference.

With several dozen countries set to hold national elections in 2025, the need for action has become increasingly urgent. Recent cases in Romania, Brazil, Gabon, and the United States exemplify this urgency. The proliferation of fake news and deepfakes has eroded public confidence. It has also compromised the quality of democratic debate.

Academic experts worldwide have coalesced to propose a framework of four priority actions. These actions include modernizing regulatory frameworks and adopting codes of conduct for AI use by political parties. They also involve establishing independent monitoring teams and developing international protocols to counter AI-based electoral interference.

This initiative is led by the University of Ottawa’s AI + Society Initiative and IVADO, Canada’s leading AI research consortium. It aims to provide policymakers with actionable guidance on mitigating the risks posed by AI to democratic processes. The recommendations are compiled in a global policy brief. It is titled “AI in the Ballot Box: Four Actions to Safeguard Election Integrity and Uphold Democracy”.

Introduction to AI and Democracy

The increasing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society has significant implications for democratic processes worldwide. Several dozen countries will hold national elections in 2025. The need to protect electoral integrity from AI-generated threats has become a pressing concern.

Recent cases in Romania, Brazil, Gabon, and the United States have highlighted potential risks. Fake news and deepfakes affect public confidence. They also impact democratic debate. Academic experts from around the world have come together to address these challenges. They propose a framework for safeguarding election integrity. This is important for upholding democracy.

The proposed framework comprises four priority actions. The first is modernizing regulatory frameworks. The second involves adopting codes of conduct for AI use by political parties. The third action is establishing independent teams to monitor electoral integrity. Lastly, it involves developing international protocols to respond to AI-based electoral interference.

The recommendations come from a collaborative effort between IVADO, Canada’s leading AI research and knowledge mobilization consortium. They also involve the University of Ottawa’s AI + Society Initiative. The project aims to provide policymakers with actionable, globally-oriented policy guidance on the impact of AI on democracy and electoral integrity.

The importance of addressing AI-driven interference in democratic processes cannot be overstated. Professor Florian Martin-Bariteau, Director of the AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa, remarks, “Our democracies are under threat. AI-driven interference demands swift and concrete actions from leaders at both the national and international levels.” There is a need for a global effort to align laws. Building capacity and developing processes are essential to mitigate AI risks. This effort is crucial to preserving the integrity of democratic processes.

Regulatory Frameworks and Codes of Conduct

Modernizing regulatory frameworks is a critical step in protecting electoral integrity from AI-generated threats. This involves adopting clear rules for using AI during elections. These rules cover creating and disseminating fake news and deepfakes. By establishing a robust regulatory framework, governments can prevent the misuse of AI for malicious purposes. They also ensure that political parties and other stakeholders use AI responsibly and transparently.

Political parties should also adopt codes of conduct for AI use. These codes should outline the principles and guidelines for the use of AI in political campaigns. They should cover the use of social media bots, data analytics, and other digital tools. Political parties can help maintain public trust in democratic processes by promoting transparency in AI use. They can also prevent the manipulation of voters through AI-generated content by fostering accountability.

Monitoring Electoral Integrity and International Cooperation

Establishing independent teams to monitor electoral integrity is vital to detecting and preventing AI-generated threats during elections. These teams should be composed of experts from various fields. This includes computer science, law, and social sciences. They should have the necessary resources and authority to investigate and respond to potential threats. These teams monitor electoral integrity in real-time. They help prevent the spread of fake news and deepfakes. They also ensure that elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

International cooperation is also essential in addressing AI-driven interference in democratic processes. Developing international protocols to respond to AI-based electoral interference requires collaboration. This involves governments, international organizations, and civil society stakeholders. By sharing best practices, countries can help prevent the misuse of AI for malicious purposes. They are coordinating efforts. They develop common standards for AI use in elections. This promotes a more secure and stable global democratic environment.

Implementation and Next Steps

Implementing the proposed framework will require a concerted effort from governments, international organizations, and civil society stakeholders. IVADO and the University of Ottawa AI + Society Initiative, along with their partners, plan to present the recommendations. These are contained in the first brief at an event on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. A new retreat is scheduled for the end of 2025 to produce a global policy brief on another major challenge raised by AI.

The project has received support from various organizations, including the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the CEIMIA, the Canada-CIFAR Chair in AI and Human Rights at Mila, and the University of Ottawa Research Chair in Technology and Society. The week-long retreat was organized with the help of the Délégation du Québec à Rome and the Società Italiana per l’Organizzazione Internazionale.