A recent survey reveals that Europeans are wary of artificial intelligence (AI) when it comes to its use in elections. Despite growing reliance on AI in various sectors, the majority of Europeans express concern over its potential impact on the democratic process. The survey, conducted by IE University in Spain, highlights a growing fear that AI could be used to manipulate election outcomes and that hackers might exploit the technology to alter results.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
The European Tech Insights study surveyed over 3,000 people across 10 European countries. The findings are striking: 67% of respondents fear that AI could be used to manipulate elections. Furthermore, over 30% believe that AI may have already influenced their voting decisions. Citizens from the United Kingdom and Spain were among the least trusting, with 54% and 51%, respectively, expressing concerns about AI’s role in elections.
Experts have raised alarms over AI-driven disinformation campaigns and the increasing use of AI-generated deepfakes. In Slovakia, AI-generated audio recordings impersonated a candidate, stirring controversy during the last election by suggesting ways to rig the vote.
The distrust of AI in elections contrasts sharply with Europeans’ confidence in AI when it comes to surveillance. Approximately 75% of survey participants said they support the use of AI for law enforcement and military operations, such as facial recognition and biometric data collection.
Interestingly, younger Europeans appear more open to AI’s role in politics. Among respondents under 35, 34% said they would trust an AI-powered app to vote on their behalf. This level of trust decreases significantly with age; only 9% of those over 65 said they would feel comfortable with AI being involved in their voting decisions.
Despite Europe’s strict data protection laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), many Europeans still have reservations about AI handling sensitive matters. For example, 64% oppose the use of AI in making parole decisions, suggesting that while AI is accepted in certain security contexts, its involvement in personal or political decisions remains controversial.
TF Summary: What’s Next
As AI becomes more integrated into various sectors, the European public’s distrust of its use in elections raises important questions. The possibility of AI-driven election manipulation and disinformation remains a growing concern. Policymakers and AI developers must address these fears — ensuring transparency and security in AI applications — particularly in areas as crucial as elections. Understanding the delicate balance between advancements and public trust is essential to navigating AI’s role in society.
— Text-to-Speech (TTS) provided by gspeech