AI can safeguard democracy, transparency, and inclusivity, say IE University experts

According to IE University researchers, AI can become a safeguard for democracy, transparency, and inclusivity. This is one of the main conclusions of ‘Reloading Democracy’, a report developed by the IE University Center for the Governance of Change (CGC), within its AI4Democracy initiative. This report, authored by Primavera de Filippi, Research Director at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Faculty Associate at the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, advocates for the reimagining of political systems to integrate AI, ensuring they are fit for the digital era.

This report sheds light on a theme which is at the center of a global debate: how AI can both act as the poison and the antidote for democracy. As geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and social inequality continue to shape the future, the World Economic Forum's latest Global Risk Report highlights growing threats around the world and calls for urgent measures to preserve democratic values amid growing complexity and rapid technological change, including AI as a transformative force in governance and society.  The European Parliament’s new study “Ten issues to watch in 2025” reinforces this view, emphasizing responsible AI development to foster public trust and protect fundamental rights.

The Reloading Democracy report from CGC report underscores the need for a proactive approach to harness AI in strengthening democratic values while mitigating its associated risks. The report identifies key challenges facing modern democracies: declining civic engagement, increasing political polarization, widespread disinformation, and the vulnerability of democratic institutions to digital threats.

“Traditional democratic institutions, designed for the pre-Internet era, are struggling to maintain legitimacy and efficacy in the digital world.” said Primavera De Filippi, research director of this IE University’s Center for The Governance of Change. “AI holds the potential to transform democratic governance, but only if we approach it with responsibility, transparency, accountability, and a commitment to inclusivity.”

“We need a fundamental reimagining of our political systems. This requires a proactive approach that harnesses the power of AI to protect and strengthen democratic values, such as transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, while mitigating the associated risks”  added Irene Blazquez, Director of the Center for the Governance of Change at IE University.

‘Reloading Democracy’ outlines key recommendations for stakeholders across the industry, public-private partnerships, and policymakers, emphasizing the need for collaboration and transparency in integrating AI into democratic processes:

Industry Recommendations:

• Enhance Transparency and Scalability: AI systems should be transparent and scalable, with tech companies focusing on detecting and mitigating disinformation. Third-party fact-checkers should be integrated into these systems to ensure accountability.
• Utilize AI for Cybersecurity: AI-driven tools can detect cyber threats to democratic systems, such as DDoS attacks on election-related sites. These tools should be made available to governments and other organizations.
• Foster Citizen Engagement: AI-powered platforms can help analyze large-scale public opinion on policy issues, encouraging greater citizen involvement in democratic processes.

Public-Private Partnership Recommendations:

• Combine Innovation with Oversight: AI companies must work with governments and civil society to create AI tools that align with societal values. Public consultation platforms powered by AI can facilitate real-time citizen feedback on policies.
• AI Innovation Testing: Regulatory sandboxes should be established to allow AI technologies to be tested while ensuring compliance with democratic safeguards.

Policy Recommendations:

• Global Regulatory Frameworks: The report advocates for globally harmonized regulations that promote AI innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability, and public trust. Routine audits of AI systems are essential to maintain fairness.
• Public Investment in AI Infrastructure: Governments should invest in AI infrastructure to reduce dependency on external tech companies and align development with democratic values.
• Research Hubs for Democratic AI: Establishing centers of excellence focused on the democratic uses of AI can drive collaborations that enhance civic engagement and public participation.

In addition, ‘Reloading Democracy’ highlights how AI can act as a powerful tool to protect democracy when it is integrated with the right safeguards and ethical frameworks. The report urges governments, tech companies, and civil society to work together to ensure the digital landscape fosters a more secure, transparent, and inclusive democratic future.

For more information or to access the full report, please visit AI4Democracy