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A Comprehensive Guide to Safeguarding Democracies in the Age of AI

As we move closer to 2025, several nations worldwide are preparing for significant national elections. However, these elections will be held in a radically changed landscape heavily influenced by artificial intelligence (AI). Events in countries such as Romania, Brazil, Gabon, and the United States have highlighted the urgent need to address issues that threaten electoral integrity. The proliferation of fake news and increasingly sophisticated deepfakes are undermining public trust and quality democratic discourse.

The Need for Action

In light of these challenges, scholars from both the Global North and South have come forth with a proactive framework aimed at safeguarding our democratic institutions from the negative impacts of AI on elections and democratic processes. The proposed framework includes four critical actions:

1. Modernizing Regulatory Frameworks: This entails establishing clear guidelines on the use of AI during electoral periods, ensuring that regulations evolve in tandem with technological advancements that pose risks.

2. Developing Codes of Conduct: Political parties must draft and adopt ethical codes regarding their use of AI technologies in their campaigns, thus promoting transparency and accountability.

3. Setting Up Independent Monitoring Teams: These teams would oversee electoral integrity and devise public intervention plans in case threats arise from AI-related activities targeting elections.

4. Creating an International Election Safeguarding Group: This would involve establishing legal protocols for international cooperation to respond to instances of AI-induced electoral interference.

An International Initiative

The aforementioned recommendations stem from the new initiative called the Global Policy Statements on AI, which is a joint project involving IVADO—the leading AI research and mobilization consortium in Canada—and the AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa. This collaborative effort aims to equip policymakers with actionable guidance to confront contemporary global challenges associated with AI. For the inaugural statement of this series titled, "When AI Intrudes into Elections: Four Actions to Protect Electoral Integrity and Defend Democracy," Catherine Régis (University of Montreal and IVADO) and Florian Martin-Bariteau (University of Ottawa) convened researchers from North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. This statement is accessible in five languages on ivado.ca and iasociete.ca, emphasizing the widespread relevance of these issues.

A Call to Action

Catherine Régis emphasizes that this initiative represents not only the necessity for immediate action but also a unique opportunity to shape the future of democracies worldwide. By combining international academic expertise, the aim is to foster solutions that will help maintain the integrity of democratic processes.

Similarly, Florian Martin-Bariteau stresses that our democracies are currently threatened by AI-related interferences that demand swift and concrete actions from policymakers at both national and international levels. Without a coordinated global effort to align laws, strengthen capacities, and create processes to mitigate AI-related risks, Canada and democracies around the world will remain exposed to potential vulnerabilities.

Next Steps

On February 10, IVADO, the AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa, and their partners will unveil the recommendations outlined in this inaugural statement during an event at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, coinciding with the AI action summit. Plans for a further retreat are underway, scheduled before the end of 2025, to produce a policy statement addressing another key challenge presented by the rise of AI.

This project has received significant support from the Research Fund of Quebec, as well as from various academic entities and governmental organizations, all committed to advancing this vital agenda.

About IVADO

IVADO is an interdisciplinary and intersectoral research consortium aiming to promote the responsible development of a more robust and reasoning AI. Led by the University of Montreal, it collaborates with four partner universities and numerous research centers, government bodies, and industry stakeholders to create ambitious cross-sector initiatives.

About the University of Ottawa's AI + Society Initiative

The AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa works to explore pressing issues related to AI, ensuring an enhanced understanding of its ethical, legal, and societal implications. The initiative aims to facilitate inclusive research, particularly amplifying diverse voices and addressing justice and oppression concerns experienced by marginalized communities.

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