Why AI Undermines Democracy and What to Do about It - by Mark Coeckelbergh (Paperback)

About the Book

"Across the world, AI is used as a tool for political manipulation and totalitarian repression. Stories about AI are often stories of polarization, discrimination, surveillance, and oppression. Is democracy in danger? And can we do anything about it? In this compelling and balanced book, Mark Coeckelbergh reveals the key risks posed by AI for democracy. He argues that AI, as currently used and developed, undermines fundamental principles on which liberal democracies are founded, such as freedom and equality. How can we make democracy more resilient in the face of AI? And, more positively, what can AI do for democracy? Coeckelbergh advocates not only for more democratic technologies, but also for new political institutions and a renewal of education to ensure that AI promotes, rather than hinders, the common good for the twenty-first century."--

Book Synopsis

Across the world, AI is used as a tool for political manipulation and totalitarian repression. Stories about AI are often stories of polarization, discrimination, surveillance, and oppression. Is democracy in danger? And can we do anything about it?

In this compelling and balanced book, Mark Coeckelbergh reveals the key risks posed by AI for democracy. He argues that AI, as currently used and developed, undermines fundamental principles on which liberal democracies are founded, such as freedom and equality. How can we make democracy more resilient in the face of AI? And, more positively, what can AI do for democracy? Coeckelbergh advocates not only for more democratic technologies, but also for new political institutions and a renewal of education to ensure that AI promotes, rather than hinders, the common good for the twenty-first century.

Why AI Undermines Democracy and What to Do About It is illuminating reading for anyone who is concerned about the fate of democracy.


Now available as an audiobook

Review Quotes

"An essential read at this watershed moment. Coeckelbergh skilfully shows how the erosion of democratic values is extremely dangerous for us all. Enlightening, thought-provoking, and passionate."
Ivana Bartoletti, Global Chief Privacy Officer at Wipro, Visiting Fellow at Virginia Tech, and founder of the Women Leading in AI network

"Coeckelbergh masterfully shows why the present trajectory of AI is bad for humanity, but also how we can nudge it onto a more democratic course."
Wendell Wallach, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs

"...the book offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking analysis of the interplay between AI and democracy. ...[serving] as a welcome contribution to the discourse on AI and democracy, offering a broad overview and a call to action."
Jan C. Bentz, Blackfriars Oxford University, Centre for Enterprise Markets and Ethics

"Mark Coeckelbergh's illuminating book comes at a critical time to inform readers about the complex relationship between AI and democracy."
Mahmoud Javadi, International Affairs

About the Author

Mark Coeckelbergh is Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology at the University of Vienna.