The International Day of Democracy

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This article was written by Cornelia Walles, intern at RWI. She has a Master’s degree in Communication from Gothenburg University and a Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies with a specialization in human ecology. Cornelia is interested in the areas of Human Rights and the Environment and Business and Human Rights.?

Today, September 15th, marks the international day of democracy. According to the UN, it is a day to review the state of democracy in the world. The International Day of Democracy was established in 2007 to encourage governments to strengthen and reinforce democracy in their country. The General Assembly establish International days to raise awareness and promote action. It is a great opportunity for actors such as governments, civil society, and schools, to organise related activities (UN).?

Democracy is based on the will of the people as the foundation of governance (UN). Democracy and human rights are interconnected, with human rights, alongside development, peace, and security, as key pillars that strengthen and promote democratic governance. Respect for human rights, along with other key elements such as freedom of expression, freedom of opinion, and a free, independent, and pluralistic media, is essential to democracy. At the same time, a democratic setting respects and protects human rights. Democracy is tightly linked to Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which emphasizes that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.” (UN).?

The Challenges of AI to Democracy

One emerging challenge to democracy is Artificial Intelligence (AI). On the International Day of Democracy in 2023, the importance of AI as a tool for good governance was highlighted. Connected to this day, Secretary-General António Guterres (UN) stressed the importance of monitoring AI to prevent its potential negative impact on democracy. The United Nations put forward several recommendations for AI governance aimed at promoting development, security, and equality. These recommendations include ensuring universal access to AI and integrating it into international frameworks, such as International Human Rights Law and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Researchers actively demonstrate the challenge of Artificial Intelligence by examining its impacts on democracy, such as its effects on freedom of speech, the right to vote, and privacy.?According to Kan (2024), AI can pose threats to democracy and human rights in many ways. One significant threat is the creation of filter bubbles and echo chambers by technology recommendation systems, where users are more likely to encounter content that reinforces their existing views rather than exposing them to diverse perspectives. Another concern is the use of AI to monitor and suppress government-critical posts or movements, violating the right to freedom of expression. Additionally, AI's role in spreading propaganda and disinformation during political campaigns undermines the right to free and fair elections.?

Feldstein (2023) also discusses the threats and impacts of AI in politics, governance, and war. Similar to Kan (2024) he emphasizes that AI can lead to misinformation and propaganda such as fake photos and videos. AI can also lead to more fraud, scams, and cyber-attacks and have a big impact on military planning and wars. The use of AI in conflicts and war can lead to escalation risks, mistakes based on misinformation, and civilian harm.

Both Kan (2024) and Feldstein (2023) emphasize the urgent need for faster implementation of legal regulations and frameworks governing the use of AI to mitigate threats to democracy and human rights. Today there are some regulations and frameworks existing, such as UNESCO's Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (UN) and EU’s AI Act (European Parliament) which provide a foundation for responsible AI governance. While challenges remain, these efforts offer a promising start toward ensuring that AI is developed and used in ways that protect democracy and human rights.?

In conclusion, the International Day of Democracy provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of current challenges, such as AI, and to explore solutions for addressing these issues. It encourages collective efforts to ensure that democracy continues to evolve while upholding and protecting human rights worldwide.

References

European Parliament. (2023). EU AI Act: first regulation on artificial intelligence. Read 2024-09-11 from EU AI Act: first regulation on artificial intelligence | Topics | European Parliament (europa.eu)?

Feldstein, S. (2023). The Consequences of Generative AI for Democracy, Governance and War. Survival, 65(5), 117–142.?

Kan, C.H. (2024). Artificial intelligence (ai) in the age of democracy and human rights: normative challenges and regulatory perspectives. International Journal of Eurasian Education and Culture, 9(25), 145-166.?

United Nations. (2023). Ensuring effective governance of AI at all levels. International Day of Democracy | United Nations?

United Nations. (n.d.). United Nations Observances. Read 2024-09-10 from Observances | United Nations

United Nations. (n.d.). Democracy. Read 2024-09-10 from Democracy | United Nations

United Nations. (n.d.). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Read 2024-09-10 from Universal Declaration of Human Rights | United Nations?

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