Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

AI: Impact on Democracy

Wednesday 17 April 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have assessed that AI has both potential benefits and challenges for democracy.
  • The Deputy Prime Minister has taken action to mitigate risks posed by AI to this year's election.
  • The defending democracy taskforce is actively working to protect democratic processes from AI threats.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stuart McDonald SNP
Democracy & Elections Science & Technology
Context

The MP raises concerns about the potential risks and benefits of artificial intelligence for democracy.

Question

What assessment has her Department made of the potential impact of AI on democracy?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

The Government are clear that artificial intelligence is the defining technology of our time, with potential to transform humanity positively. We also recognise the challenges that AI can pose. The defending democracy taskforce and DSIT are engaging with social media platforms, civil society groups, academia and international partners to tackle risks posed by AI to democracy.

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Q2 Stuart McDonald SNP
Democracy & Elections Science & Technology
Context

The MP is concerned about the immediate threat disinformation and deepfakes pose to democracy, especially in this year's election.

Question

What risk does the Minister believe AI poses to this year's election, and what steps is he taking to alleviate those risks?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

The UK will not tolerate malicious cyber-activity targeting democratic institutions. The Deputy Prime Minister has already acted where necessary. Government teams are working collaboratively to respond to threats, including digitally manipulated content. The Online Safety Act requires companies to take proactive action against illegal state-sponsored content online via the foreign interference offence.

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Q3 Edward Leigh Con Gainsborough
Democracy & Elections Science & Technology
Context

The MP seeks assurance that artificial intelligence will not destroy democracy or the human race.

Question

In two short sentences, will the Minister reassure us that AI will not destroy not just democracy, but the human race?

Answer from Saqib Bhatti

The Government are taking a proactive approach to AI. The defending democracy taskforce is working very hard to protect our democratic processes.

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