In a rapidly changing world where technology continues to reshape the way we live, and with the 2024 European Parliament elections on the horizon, it is essential to reflect on the socio-political implications of Artificial Intelligence, which holds the potential to both enhance and challenge the future of our democratic processes. On 5 December, MEP Pilar del Castillo hosted our discussion on AI and the future of democracy, featuring MEP Dragos Tudorache and Ajit Jaokar, Univesity of Oxford and author of EIF's "The Digital World towards 2040: Challenges ahead for Europe" foresight report.
Pilar del Castillo MEP emphasized the profound socio-political changes driven by technology, particularly AI, in the context of the rapidly evolving digital world. She highlighted the upcoming 2024 European Parliament election as a crucial time for reflecting on these changes. MEP del Castillo's focus was on how technology reshapes our lives and the necessity for careful consideration of AI's socio-political implications. She set the stage for the subsequent speakers, underscoring the need for thoughtful engagement with the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the political sphere.
Ajit Jaokar's presentation centered around the unpredictable and rapid evolution of AI, with specific references to developments in ChatGPT and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). He touched on the challenges of forecasting AI's impact by 2040, discussing themes like intelligent autonomy and the blending of AI with human collaboration. Mr Jaokar emphasized the dynamic nature of AI, its geopolitical implications, and the importance of broad participation in AI development. He addressed the impact of AI on democracy and elections, highlighting the transformative power of AI in these areas, including concerns about AI in governance and its role in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Dragos Tudorache MEP, LIBE Rapporteur of the AI Act, focused on the political and societal ramifications of AI, emphasizing the need for a new social contract in the face of deep societal divisions exacerbated by AI advancements. He highlighted the economic implications, the necessity of education and skills development, and the importance of universal access to AI technologies. MEP Tudorache raised ethical considerations, questioning the limits of AI development and advocating for a convergent regulatory model to address existential challenges posed by AI. His discourse included a critical analysis of the role of governments and states in adapting to AI-driven economies and societies, the ethical boundaries of AI development, and the importance of convergent regulatory approaches at a global level.
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