OTHER INSTITUTIONS


Below is a list of other institutions working on matters related to the interaction between democracy and AI. Similar to what we said about governmental policies on the Governmental page, all of these institutions are preoccupied with the SD => AI part of the equation, mostly through policy proposals or legislative actions. We are mostly preoccupied with the AI => SD side of the equation, and mostly from a technical viewpoint, leading eventually to software applications.
If we think we understand it, and if we can say it articulately, then we could most likely say it in code.

BROOKINGS

"A central challenge democratic societies face is how to govern advanced technologies in a way that reinforces liberal norms and values while outcompeting authoritarian models. The Brookings Global Forum on Democracy and Technology aims to meet that challenge. Drawing on scholars from across the Institution, the Global Forum's research and convenings seek to develop shared practices and applications for technology that can strengthen democratic societies around the world."

PEW RESEARCH CENTER

"About half (our note: of tech experts) predict that humans' use of technology will weaken democracy between now and 2030 due to the speed and scope of reality distortion, the decline of journalism and the impact of surveillance capitalism. A third expect technology to strengthen democracy as reformers find ways to fight back against info-warriors and chaos."

CARNEGIE ENDOWMENT

"Global political trends in recent years have put to rest any illusions that the relationship between technological innovation and progress in democratic politics would be largely positive. Digital technology is disrupting international politics in myriad ways."

Social Science Research Council

"In recent years, the SSRC has been an essential node in the development of a broad, interdisciplinary research field that brings together social scientists, computer scientists, and data scientists to create and share knowledge, bring new voices to the table, and engage with practitioners, especially around the ways information technology and social media shape the health of democracies and the nature of inequalities."

STANDFORD's HUMAN-CENTERED AI

"Every citizen is aware that digital technologies have transformed our individual and collective lives. But democratic theorists have been slow to take stock of this transformation and to trace how democratic theory and institutions should respond. The new book Digital Technology and Democratic Theory, edited by Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence Associate Director Rob Reich, Stanford Digital Civil Society Lab Director Lucy Bernholz, and Yale professor Hélène Landemore, brings together a multidisciplinary group of scholars — across political philosophy, social science, and engineering — to weigh in on the implications of digital technologies for democratic societies as well as ways in which democracies might be enhanced by these advances."

NEW AMERICA

"Discussions throughout the Summit sounded alarms that our digital systems are faltering and may be exacerbating growing social and economic inequality. But there was also a demonstrable pivot to a rallying cry to better effect change together. For the growing community of governments, civil society organizations and multilateral bodies that have been advocating potential solutions in this space, this is a belated but refreshing message - and one that renews the Digital Impact and Governance Initiative's (DIGI) coalition building activities in the year ahead."

Community of Democracies

"The Community of Democracies (CoD) is pleased to launch the Working Group on Democracy and Technology, chaired by Governing Council Member State Georgia. The Working Group will act as an informal, voluntary structure for joint discussion and action to harness digital technology to support effective and accountable democratic governance. It will foster collaboration around developing and using digital public goods, such as governance platforms and open source tools, that support democracy and democratic institutions."

UNIVERSAL RIGHTS GROUP

"The rapid evolution and spread of digital technology are having a major impact on the enjoyment of human rights around the world, and on the ways in which democracies function. Some of those impacts are positive. However, with opportunities also come threats and challenges. There is a real risk that technology will increasingly be used to foment doubt, polarization, and distrust in democratic institutions and processes. Hence, governments, the private sector and civil society must come together to address the threats and challenges - and seize the opportunities - posed by digital technology to democracy and rights and ultimately build popular confidence in democracy."

Knight Foundation

"Sound information is the lifeblood of a democracy. Today, more and more information is mediated by digital technology – and with impacts that are not yet well understood. In this age of many-to-many communication, there is a clear need for fresh thinking and research to inform a new generation of democratic institutions and norms that will promote an informed society and support democratic outcomes. In 2019, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announced a commitment of nearly $50 million in research to better understand how technology is transforming our democracy and to help ensure society is equipped to make evidence-based decisions on how to govern and manage the now-digital public square."

Center for AI and Digital Policy

"The Center for AI and Digital Policy aims to promote a better society, more fair, more just — a world where technology promotes broad social inclusion based on fundamental rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law."

Center for Digital Democracy

"The Center for Digital Democracy (CDD) is recognized as one of the leading digital rights, consumer protection, and privacy organizations in the United States. For nearly two decades, CDD has been at the forefront of research, public education, and advocacy on behalf of citizens, consumers, communities, and youth."

Center for Democracy and Technology

"Post-election audits can be strongest way to generate public evidence that an election outcome was correct. But election deniers have weaponized post-election audits, calling for sham reviews that instead diminish confidence in elections. Our new report helps distinguish good post-election audits from bad ones & offers a path forward for improving post-election audits in 2024 & beyond."