Following the recent US presidential debate between Democratic candidate and Republican Donald Trump, a significant dialogue unfolded in Kolkata on Thursday regarding the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on the upcoming elections. The discussion was part of a virtual session hosted by the US Consulate Kolkata, which convened speakers from both major US political parties to explore the nuanced effects of AI on political processes and advertising.
The session, titled “The Good, the Bad, and the Unknown: AI’s Impact on the 2024 Presidential Election and Political Advertising—Pros, Cons, and Future Expectations,” featured insights from various experts and politicians. The discourse highlighted a range of perspectives on the role of AI in shaping electoral dynamics and political discourse. A notable point of discussion was the growing concern among American voters about AI’s potential to spread political propaganda. According to recent reports, 85% of American voters are apprehensive about the misuse of AI in influencing election outcomes and undermining democratic processes. The moderator of the session, a Fulbright scholar, emphasised the importance of striking a balance between leveraging AI for political innovation and safeguarding democratic integrity. He advised caution against excessive regulation, advocating instead for the inclusion of AI experts in policy discussions to mitigate potential abuses.
One of the speakers highlighted the dual nature of AI’s impact. While acknowledging the technology’s potential benefits, such as enhanced political engagement and targeted messaging, she also underscored the risks it poses to free speech and democratic values. The challenge, she noted, is to manage innovation while preventing harm to both democratic institutions and individual freedoms. The interactive session saw participation from students across prominent Indian institutions, including Presidency University, Jadavpur University, Loreto College, Adamas University, and St. Xavier’s College, Jalukie in Nagaland. Their engagement underscored the global relevance of the debate surrounding AI and its implications for the future of democratic elections.
