AI, elections and democracy: Rebuilding trust in the age of algorithms

This talk, presented by Juliane Müller from International IDEA, explores the intersection of AI, elections, and democracy, focusing on rebuilding trust in algorithms. The speaker analyzes the integration of AI systems into critical interactions between citizens and institutions, such as public administration and electoral processes, highlighting the implications of opacity, bias, and accountability on decision-making and public discourse. Müller emphasizes the need for "democratic AI" principles, including explainability, human oversight, and auditability, while also addressing the risks of disinformation and the challenges posed by platform algorithms. The discussion calls for transparent and interoperable systems that align with governance frameworks, ensuring that AI technologies support democratic values and institutional control.