Manifesto: Call for a Worldwide Alliance on AI and Democracy

At the AI Action Summit, in this crucial moment where the future of artificial intelligence is being shape preservation and strengthening of democracy is not merely another topic of discussion—it is a foundational imperative that demands our collective focus and action. 

Artificial intelligence and public governance are deeply intertwined. Without the active participation of  stakeholder democracies will face mounting challenges, growing increasingly vulnerable in the face of rapid technological change. Conversely, without strong democratic governance, there is no assurance of creating a level playing field for innovation, effectively monitoring artificial generative intelligence, or ensuring that innovation serves the broader needs of society. 

Recognizing the urgency of this pivotal moment, over 100 global leaders and organizations from diverse sectors have come together to establish the Worldwide Alliance for AI and Democracy. United in purpose, we pledge to harness AI as a powerful tool to strengthen democratic values and institutions. 

Our commitments: 

● We, social science researchers, commit to conducting rigorous research into the social and democratic implications of AI, ensuring that our findings shape public discourse and inform policies that upho democratic value 

● We, data science researchers, pledge to design and develop AI systems that proactively safeguard and advance democratic principles, prioritizing transparency, fairness, and accountability in every stage of their creation. 

● We, AI innovators, are dedicated to creating AI systems that are transparent, accountable, and deeply respectful of human rights and democratic values. We will actively challenge and resist the misuse of AI for manipulation, discrimination, or any actions that undermine democracy. 

● We, corporations, pledge to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI within our organizations and beyond, committing to transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights and democratic values. We will empower and engage our employees and clients to critically assess and challenge the applications of AI. 

● We, democratic activists and NGOs, will advocate tirelessly for policies that guarantee the equitable and inclusive development and deployment of AI. We will work to empower citizens, ensuring their voices are heard and their participation shapes the future of AI in alignment with democratic ideals. 

● We, public institutions, commit to championing the development and enforcement of AI policies that safeguard democratic values and build public trust. We will actively involve citizens in scrutinizing and holding AI systems accountable, ensuring that these technologies serve the common good. 

The path forward requires unprecedented cooperation. Governments, private enterprises, researchers, and civil society must work together to ensure that AI applications empower humanity and respect each country’s democratic sovereignty. Democracy cannot be left to chance, nor can the future of AI. By aligning our efforts, we can build a world where technological innovation serves as a pillar for democratic resilience. Beyond democracy itself, the legitimacy and robustness of each country’s democratic governance is a fundamental prerequisite for developing AI that genuinely serves citizens and society. By working together, we can harness the power of AI to build a more democratic future for all. 

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Audrey Tang, The Collective Intelligence Project - Alicia Combaz and Axel Dauchez, Make.org - Frédéric Worms, director of Ecole Normal Supérieure - PSL - La Poste Group and Docaposte - KPMG - Sopra Steria - Constance de Leusse, Executive Director AI & Society Institute University of ENS - PSL, Senior Advisor Tech and Global Affairs Innovation Hub University of Sciences Po - Alberto Fernandez Gibaja, International IDEA - Claudia Chwalisz, DemocracyNext - Colleen Mckenzie, AI Objectives Institute (AOI) - Deborah Elalouf, Tralalere / Internet Sans Crainte - Joal Stein, Collective Intelligence Project - Julia Stamm, She Shapes AI - Katya Viadziorchyk, AI Forensics - Mathilde Cerioli, Everyone.ai - Matthew Victor and Nathan Sanders, Massachusetts Platform For Legislative Engagement (MAPLE) - Elaine Ford Deza, Democracia Digital - Léa Rogliano, FARI-AI for the Common Good Brussels - Yannick Müller, CityLAB Berlin + 50 signatories