#Canada #Montreal #Democracy #AI Election Integrity #IVADO

Roadmap for Safeguarding Democracies in the Age of AI

As the world approaches 2025, a pivotal year for democracies globally, a significant number of countries will conduct national elections. However, the intelligence revolution, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), poses serious risks that could jeopardize electoral integrity and public trust. Recent events in countries like Romania, Brazil, Gabon, and the United States have highlighted alarming trends, including the spread of misinformation and deepfake technology, that undermine the democratic debate.

To confront these challenges, a coalition of academic experts from both the Global North and South has proposed a set of strategic actions designed to fortify democratic institutions against the adverse effects of AI interference. This initiative, spearheaded by IVADO, a Canadian consortium known for its focus on AI research and knowledge mobilization, and the University of Ottawa’s AI + Society Initiative, presents several critical recommendations intended for policymakers responding to contemporary issues raised by AI.

Key Actions Proposed

The framework proposed rests on four essential pillars:

1. Modernization of Regulatory Frameworks: Establish clear standards governing the usage of AI during electoral processes. This would provide a structured approach to manage AI tools in political contexts.

2. Adoption of Conduct Codes: Encourage political parties to create codes of conduct specifically addressing the ethical use of AI technologies. This self-regulation aims to ensure that all parties maintain a level of integrity in their campaign strategies.

3. Establishment of Independent Oversight: Form independent bodies tasked with monitoring electoral integrity. These teams would also be responsible for devising public response plans to potential AI-driven threats to elections.

4. Development of an International AI Guardian: Create an international body dedicated to overseeing electoral AI practices, complete with legal protocols to address instances of AI-induced election tampering.

A Global Initiative

These recommendations are part of the Global Political Reports on AI, culminating in the first report titled "AI in the Ballot Box: Four Measures to Safeguard Election Integrity and Defend Democracy." The report, authored by Professors Catherine Régis (Université de Montréal, IVADO) and Florian Martin-Bariteau (University of Ottawa), gathers insights from researchers across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe.

The document is accessible via both IVADO and the AI + Society Initiative’s website in multiple languages, aiming to reach a diverse audience and stimulate action globally. Professor Régis stresses, "This mobilization not only underlines the urgency of action but also offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our democracies. By integrating international academic expertise, we can create solutions that preserve the democratic processes' integrity."

Immediate Action Needed

In light of growing threats to democratic systems, the interference driven by AI demands prompt and solid responses from leaders at both national and international levels. Professor Martin-Bariteau points out, "Without a concerted global effort to align laws, build capacity, and develop processes that mitigate AI risks, Canada—and democracies worldwide—remain vulnerable."

Next Steps

The recommendations outlined in this report will be presented at a parallel event during the AI Action Summit, scheduled for February 10, 2025, at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Paris. A further gathering is anticipated later in 2025 to generate a global policy report addressing another significant challenge posed by AI.

This initiative has also received backing from various organizations, including the Quebec Research Fund and several academic chairs focused on AI ethics and human rights.

About IVADO

IVADO is a cross-disciplinary and trans-sectoral research consortium dedicated to developing and promoting responsible AI. Led by the University of Montreal, IVADO collaborates with multiple academic partners, government entities, and industry members to enact ambitious initiatives that drive transformative changes in AI adoption.

About the University of Ottawa AI + Society Initiative

The University of Ottawa’s AI + Society Initiative aims to identify and address crucial issues related to AI, supporting enhanced understanding and framing its ethical, legal, and social implications through a transdisciplinary approach. It prioritizes an inclusive research agenda to combat global digital injustices exacerbated by AI.

For further information or inquiries, please contact:

• - IVADO: Stéphanie Dufaud - [email protected]
• - University of Ottawa: Paul Logothetis - [email protected]