‘What influence is AI exerting on the future of democracy?’ This question has become central for many media professionals today. During my time as a mentee with United Europe’s Young Leaders Advocacy Network, I focused on developing a startup that leverages AI and digital trends for positive impact. With the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Paul Timmers, I shifted my focus to digital media, gaining a deeper understanding of emerging trends. Drawing from his insights, as well as those of other experts, I set out to explore how AI is transforming our “here and now”, seeking answers for myself and fellow professionals.
The rising threats to unity: why the answers about the role of AI and digital technology are not always clear-cut
The digital world is increasingly intertwined with political processes, for better or worse. AI, in particular, is altering the way we interact with information, and its potential impact on democracy is two-fold. On one hand, AI tools can help broaden our reach, enabling us to connect with more people, spread ideas faster, and bring about a renewed sense of engagement.
However, there is a darker side to this digital transformation. We live in a time when polarisation is intensifying, and many argue that technology is only deepening these divisions.
“The situation is mixed”
Social media platforms, which utilise AI algorithms to amplify content, often reward the most polarising voices. This creates echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to viewpoints that reinforce their pre-existing beliefs, making it harder to foster constructive dialogue across ideological lines.
“My impression is that the use of AI in media and digital spaces comes with both benefits and drawbacks. We are concerned about the impact of AI, as well as misinformation and cybersecurity challenges, particularly in the context of elections. The situation is mixed. There are clear instances where these technologies pose a threat and have been misused,” Prof Dr Paul Timmers, research associate at the University of Oxford, Oxford Internet Institute, and professor at KU Leuven and European University Cyprus, explained.
Dr Timmers believes that on the other hand, media and EU institutions may also increase visibility around facts and truth, empowering people to create better explanations with the help of AI. “We are slowly starting to develop a balanced view, but I think there is a deeper, more systematic risk to democracy posed by AI and cybersecurity,” he added.
Regulatory measures are key to mitigating these risks. This includes implementing strict data privacy laws, enhancing cybersecurity protocols, and holding tech companies accountable for the societal impact of their platforms. At the same time, fostering digital literacy among the public is essential to ensure that citizens can critically engage with the content they consume and protect themselves from disinformation.
Dr Timmers also brought the example of hybrid threats. “Currently, Russia is active in combining cybersecurity with physical sabotage to undermine Europe’s infrastructure. This puts immense pressure on governments and essential services like healthcare and energy, threatening their ability to deliver in times of crisis. Such incidents not only disrupt society but also democracy itself. AI can be part of these disruptions, especially when used improperly by public administrations, leading to unfair treatment of individuals and eroding trust in government institutions,” researcher emphasised.
He predicts that in the short term, we are learning how to deal with AI-driven cyberattacks and phishing attempts. However, the long-term effects of cybersecurity threats and AI on the credibility of democratic systems are not fully addressed yet.
How to ensure that governments and big tech will work together?
Dr. Patryk Pawlak, Project Director at the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, has outlined key trends in digital and technological transformation during the presentation in 2024 Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners at the European University Institute.
The digital world is evolving rapidly, and without clear policies, key areas like privacy, security, and fundamental rights could be compromised. “We need to understand the underlying issues and policy dilemmas to ensure that governments and companies adopt and implement adequate policies, such as those related to human rights online, internet shutdowns, criminalization, and the use of spyware,” he noted.
This year, the UN will adopt the “Pact for the Future,” which addresses the risks posed by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and AI. One fundamental approach is the continued upholding of international law, particularly the United Nations Charter. Ensuring that all states adhere to norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviour in the cyber domain is essential.
Should Europe invest in its own digital infrastructure?
The major players – Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and TikTok – are all based outside the EU, in the United States and China, leaving Europe vulnerable to external disruptions. This dependency became glaringly evident during the recent global IT outage.
Building a comprehensive, EU-based digital infrastructure from scratch would require massive financial investment, extensive technical expertise, and time.
“The general opinion is that Europe should focus its resources on future technologies, such as AI and quantum encryption, where we can still develop autonomy. Instead of spending too much on alternatives for cloud infrastructure, we could explore other paradigms, like edge computing, which runs on individual devices. We need to be selective about where we invest,” Dr Timmers explained.
Europe would still need to cooperate with other global tech leaders in areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud services, where innovation is highly collaborative and difficult to isolate by region. Tech development is often driven by international cooperation, and shutting out global players could hinder Europe’s competitiveness and slow innovation.
“I am concerned when politicians promise that Europe will become a leader in everything- from AI and quantum technologies to electric vehicles. It’s unrealistic and potentially dangerous to set such broad goals. We need to be realistic about where we can actually make significant progress,” Dr Timmers reasonably added.
In the end, Europe may find that a balanced approach is the most viable path forward. As the digital world continues to evolve, Europe’s ability to adapt and innovate will determine its role on the global stage.
Author: Olga Konsevych, Young Leader at United Europe e.V.