HOW DEMOCRACY IS RELATED TO AI
HOW DEMOCRACY IS RELATED TO AI
DEMOCRATIC IDEALS ARE PRE CONDITIONS FOR AI
Use, spread and popularization of digitally enabled technologies like that of AI is possible in a society which has strong affiliation for democratic values and practices. The use, spread, and popularization of AI is only possible in a society that has strong democratic values and practices. This is because AI is a technology that requires a great deal of freedom of thought and expression. In a society where people are afraid of speaking their minds or challenging the status quo, it is unlikely that AI will be able to reach its full potential. Technology of AI is an intelligence based technology. It's true that every technology is an exercise of intelligence but in case of AI greater degree of freedom of thought is necessary. AI systems are trained on data, and the quality of the data has a direct impact on the quality of the AI system. If AI systems are trained on data that is biased or incomplete, they will produce biased and incomplete results. This is why it is important to have a diversity of voices and perspectives represented in the data that is used to train AI systems. We must realize that AI is as powerful as our democratic ideals and practices are.
CONSTRAINTS OVER AI
However, where society is indoctrinated with monolithic ideas like that of a majoritarian society where minority thinking is joked and discarded, novel ideas are difficult to evolve. In such a society, intelligence is guided and trained to achieve pre-fixed goals, and AI can be used to create surveillance systems, manipulate information, and control people’s behavior. . In such a situation intelligence is devoid of imaginations and without imaginations emancipation is next impossible. AI can be used to suppress dissent and reinforce authoritarian rule. In a society where there is no strong democratic tradition, there is a greater risk that AI will be used for these purposes. Intelligence requires Socratic method of thinking and debate but alas, in a controlled society alternative intelligence and imagination are not permitted to be utilized by masses . In such a controlled environment AI can be used to suppress dissent and reinforce authoritarian rule.
HOW CONSTRAINTS ARE REMOVED BY DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES
If people have freedom to think, debate and arrive at a conclusion after persuasion and authority is open to listen, adopt and practice according to people's thinking better results are possible. AI can be a powerful tool for improving people's lives. However, this is only possible if AI is used in a democratic and accountable way. In a democracy, people should have a say in how AI is used and should be able to hold those who develop and deploy AI accountable for its consequences. For example when budget is made by the government if budgetary allocations are prioritised by wishes and whims of small group of people in power who do not bother to toil to gather people's aspirations allocations may be siphoned off to benefit those who are favourable to the power elite and aspirations of others may be ignored. In such a situation even if we have tools of digital technology and AI we fail to capitalize them in the interest of common people. AI systems are trained on data, and the quality of the data has a direct impact on the quality of the AI system. For instance, a facial recognition system that is trained on data that mostly contains images of white people might fail to recognize people of color accurately.
So before adopting AI and other technologies we need to adopt liberty of thinking and of accessing information.
AI's ENABLING ROLE FOR DEMOCRACY
AI is empowered by democracy and at the same time it is also an enabler of democracy, which may be understood by observing following phenomena,
- AI can help to promote transparency and accountability in government. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends that would be difficult or impossible to spot manually. This information can then be used to hold governments accountable for their actions and to ensure that they are meeting the needs of the people.
- AI can help to empower citizens and give them a greater voice in the democratic process. AI can be used to create new tools and platforms that make it easier for citizens to access information, connect with each other, and make their voices heard. For example, AI can be used to develop online voting platforms, to create tools that help citizens track government spending, and to develop platforms that allow citizens to participate in public consultation.
- AI can help to promote social justice and equality. AI can be used to identify and address biases in our society. For example, AI can be used to identify biases in the criminal justice system, in the workplace, and in the education system. AI can also be used to develop new programs and policies that promote social justice and equality.
AI is a powerful technology with the potential to both harm and benefit society. AI can be a powerful tool for improving people's lives. However, this is only possible if AI is used in a democratic and accountable way. In a democracy, people should have a say in how AI is used and should be able to hold those who develop and deploy AI accountable for its consequences. It is therefore essential that we have strong democratic safeguards in place to ensure that AI is used for good.
AI CAN BE PATH BREAKING IN A DEMOCRACY
AI can also be a powerful tool for improving people’s lives and strengthening democracy. For example, AI can help citizens access information, voice their opinions, and participate in decision-making processes. AI can also help governments provide better public services, monitor corruption, and respond to social needs. However, these benefits depend on how AI is used and who controls it. Therefore, it is essential that we have strong democratic safeguards in place to ensure that AI is used for good.
DEMOVRACY MUST PRECEED AI AND AI MUST CREATE DEMOCRATIC ENVIRONMENT POSSIBLE AS WELL
It is important to have these conversations now, before AI becomes even more embedded in our society. In reality AI and other digital technology are public good so they must be shared with general public, must be employed in the service of general public and society's political structure must be woven around democratic value system. Democracy must precede AI. This is because democracy provides the necessary safeguards to ensure that AI is used for good. In a democracy, citizens have the power to hold those who develop and deploy AI accountable for its consequences. This is essential for ensuring that AI is used in a way that benefits society.
CONTROL AND REGULATIONS
Here in this background it is necessary to understand who has control over technology and how decline in democracy will concentrate the ownership of AI, which is undisputedly a common good. Most of the innovations in AI are being done in private sector without any coherent policy. The driving force behind such innovations is to dominate the system of production and the structure of profit. In this way most of the innovations are being engineered by private [parties for private good. Society and its legal representative , that is government has little control . Here when we talk about government we imply a democratic government which remains under continuous pressure of public demands. Since the technology of AI affects daily life of common citizen , common citizen has every right to know about what is happening in this field and how is it being designed and developed for their common good. That is why government's responsibility in the development of AI tools is so important.
But here there are serious constraints. First due to the fact that most of the governments and political parties of the world are really clueless about the happenings in the field of AI technology. Secondly AI needs heavy investment but considering the level of intercontinental inequality it is not possible for most of the countries of the world to invest in AI. Thirdly, many parts of the world are reeling under wars and civil conflicts , so there are many [parts where there are either no definitive governments or governments if any have lack of legality and people's popular support. Fourthly many democratic nations have crony governments which have no interest in dissemination of this technology for public good. On the other hand there are autocratic governments and despots who are interested in controlling AI for the purpose of strengthening ruling dispensation at the cost of interests of common people. In such countries AI is used for more authoritarian purposes, like surveillance, etc. But in functioning democracies AI is being used for creating public opinions for the betterment of common public as we see its constructive functional role in countries like Taiwan. This shows where democracies are more functional AI is being more used for public good with the active investment and regulations by the governments. Hence while democracies are more functional in using AI for public good, it is important to regulate the use of AI in both democracies and autocracies to ensure that it is used for the betterment of society.
In democracies, the decline of democracy could lead to the concentration of ownership of AI in the hands of a few powerful individuals or corporations. This could have a number of negative consequences, including the use of AI to manipulate public opinion, suppress dissent, and violate human rights.
Even in well-functioning democracies, there are challenges to regulating AI. One challenge is that AI is developing rapidly, and it can be difficult for governments to keep up. Another challenge is that AI is often complex and opaque, making it difficult for regulators to understand how it works and what its potential risks are.
In autocracies, the situation is even more challenging. Autocratic governments may use AI to suppress dissent and consolidate their power. They may also use AI to develop new weapons and surveillance technologies.
Despite these challenges, it is important to regulate AI both in democracies and autocracies. Here are some suggestions for how to do this:
- Increase transparency and accountability. AI developers should be required to disclose information about how their AI systems work and what data they use. Governments should also establish mechanisms for holding AI developers accountable for the harm caused by their systems.
- Develop ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI. These guidelines should be developed in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, including AI developers, civil society organizations, and the public.
- Invest in research on AI safety and security. More research is needed to understand the potential risks of AI and to develop ways to mitigate those risks.
- Promote international cooperation on AI regulation. AI is a global problem, and it will require international cooperation to develop effective regulations.
In addition to these suggestions, it is also important to address the underlying inequalities that make it difficult for many countries to invest in AI and to regulate it effectively. This includes reducing intercontinental inequality and promoting democracy and human rights around the world.
It is important to note that regulating AI is not a silver bullet. It is important to also focus on other ways to address the challenges posed by AI, such as education and public awareness.
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