UN Highlights AI's Role In Governance On International Day Of Democracy

According to Cointelegraph, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has declared this year’s International Day of Democracy a referendum on artificial intelligence. In a message posted to the UN website on August 30, Guterres emphasized the dual nature of AI as both a potential threat and a tool for good governance. The International Day of Democracy, observed annually on September 15 since 2017, promotes democratic principles, with each year’s theme set by the UN Secretary General. This year, the focus is on AI as a means to enhance governance. Guterres warned of the dangers posed by unchecked AI, including the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and deepfakes, which could undermine democracy, peace, and stability. However, he also highlighted AI's potential to promote public participation, equality, security, and human development. The UN's stance is that AI must serve humanity equitably and safely, though the specifics of this in the context of democracy remain unclear. Addressing issues like AI-generated hate speech and deepfakes is seen as both a social and regulatory challenge. The democratization of technology is viewed as a cornerstone of democracy, and this year’s International Day of Democracy will focus on how AI can be harnessed to foster inclusiveness and equality.