Is the AI boom going to spell the end of democracy in Australia?
With AI in our newsrooms, our universities, and our courtrooms, the way we understand the truth has been forever changed. But could it be for the better? Or have we embarked on an unstoppable march towards a new understanding of democracy. How do we democratise AI development when a handful of tech companies run the digital world? And could we implement government reforms in Australia to make this happen?GUESTS:Cory Alpert, former Biden–Harris administration staffer and current PhD researcher at the University of Melbourne, and host of the University of Melbourne's System ErrorProf. Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication and Director of QUT's Digital Media Research Centre.This episode of Download This Show was made on Gadigal and Muwinina land.
Australia is grappling with a question that echoes across the globe: can democracy survive the rise of artificial intelligence? As AI infiltrates every aspect of our lives, from news consumption to higher education and even the justice system, the very foundation of truth and informed decision-making is being challenged.
The popular podcast, Download This Show, recently delved into this complex issue, raising crucial questions about the future of Australian democracy in an AI-driven world. The episode, recorded on Gadigal and Muwinina land, explored whether this technological revolution will ultimately enhance or erode democratic principles.
One of the key concerns raised is the potential for AI to reshape our understanding of truth. With algorithms increasingly curating news and information, there are fears that biases and misinformation could be amplified, making it harder for citizens to form informed opinions. This could lead to increased polarization and a weakening of the public sphere, essential components of a healthy democracy.
Another critical issue is the concentration of AI development in the hands of a few powerful tech companies. This raises questions about how to democratize AI development, ensuring that its benefits are shared widely and that its potential harms are mitigated. How can Australia ensure that AI serves the public good, rather than exacerbating existing inequalities?
The podcast featured Cory Alpert, a former staffer for the Biden-Harris administration and current PhD researcher at the University of Melbourne, and Prof. Daniel Angus, Professor of Digital Communication and Director of QUT's Digital Media Research Centre. Their expertise shed light on potential government reforms that could help Australia navigate the challenges of AI and safeguard its democratic institutions.
The discussion highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to ensure that AI aligns with democratic values. This includes promoting media literacy, fostering transparency in AI algorithms, and developing robust regulatory frameworks. The future of Australian democracy may well depend on the choices we make today regarding the development and deployment of artificial intelligence.