Democracy is increasingly intersecting with the transformative technologies of artificial intelligence (AI). At the recent World Forum on Democracy in Strasbourg, the prevailing sentiment among attendees was one of concern, fearing AI might undermine democratic values. However, a different narrative is emerging, highlighting the potential for AI to bolster democratic systems worldwide.
In the book Rewiring Democracy: How AI will Transform Politics, Government, and Citizenship, the authors examine both the risks and opportunities AI presents to democratic governance. While acknowledging AI’s potential to erode trust in information and empower authoritarian regimes, the book also showcases positive examples of AI enhancing democratic processes. Here, we explore four compelling stories from around the globe where AI is being harnessed to strengthen democracy.
Japan: AI-Driven Political Engagement
In Japan, the innovative use of AI in politics is gaining traction. Last year, Takahiro Anno, a 33-year-old engineer, made headlines as a fringe candidate for the governorship of Tokyo. Despite being an independent candidate, Anno secured a fifth-place finish in a field of 56, thanks largely to an AI avatar that engaged with voters by answering 8,600 questions during a 17-day YouTube livestream.
Anno’s success continued as he was elected to Japan’s upper legislative chamber, leveraging AI to engage constituents by answering over 20,000 questions. His party, Team Mirai, is pioneering AI-enabled civic technology, developing software to enhance participatory governance. The Mirai Assembly app allows constituents to express opinions on legislative bills, with AI organizing these inputs. The party pledges to base their legislative questioning on public feedback.
Brazil: AI Streamlining the Judiciary
Brazil, known for its litigious nature, faces a chronic backlog in its courts, costing the government billions annually. Since 2019, the Brazilian government has adopted AI to automate judicial processes, improving efficiency without replacing human judgment. AI assists in distributing caseloads, performing legal research, transcribing hearings, and clustering similar cases for joint consideration.
The impact is significant, with Brazil’s federal supreme court backlog reaching its lowest level in 33 years by 2025. However, the increase in AI-assisted litigation has also led to a 40% rise in new cases over the past five years. While this presents challenges, it underscores the role of litigation as a vital form of civic participation, essential for self-governance. Other democracies could learn from Brazil’s experience, using technology to enhance judicial efficiency.
Germany: AI Enhancing Voter Information
In Germany, AI is revolutionizing how voters access information. Since 2002, the German Federal Agency for Civic Education has operated Wahl-o-Mat, a non-partisan voting guide. Recently, AI-driven alternatives like Wahlweise and Wahl.chat have emerged, offering interactive platforms for voters to engage with political information tailored to their interests.
However, concerns about AI bias and misinformation have prompted calls for rigorous scientific evaluations of these tools. Researchers advocate for standards akin to those used by the Agency for Civic Education to ensure AI tools enhance voter informedness and transparency.
United States: AI in Watchdog Journalism
In California, the non-profit news organization CalMatters is using AI to enhance its Digital Democracy project. This initiative collects public statements, voting records, and campaign contributions of elected officials, making the data accessible online. The AI Tip Sheets feature identifies anomalies, such as changes in voting behavior linked to campaign contributions, providing journalists with data-driven insights for further investigation.
This approach exemplifies how AI can support, rather than replace, human journalists, aiding them in maintaining the vital watchdog function of the press. As traditional media faces financial challenges, such innovations are crucial for sustaining democratic accountability.
Global Implications and the Future of AI in Democracy
These examples illustrate AI’s potential to distribute power rather than concentrate it, empowering citizens in political, judicial, and journalistic arenas. However, the AI market remains dominated by a few tech giants, raising concerns about transparency and control. The development of public AI models, like Switzerland’s Apertus, offers a promising alternative, emphasizing open-source principles and democratic oversight.
AI’s dual nature means it can enhance both authoritarianism and democracy. Steering AI towards democratic ends requires vigilance and innovation. By leveraging AI to amplify civic engagement and government accountability, societies can harness its benefits while mitigating risks.
As the conversation around AI and democracy evolves, the focus must remain on ensuring technology serves the public good, fostering a more participatory and transparent democratic process.
