Webspecial of Plattform Lernende Systeme: What influence does AI have on democratic society?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we communicate, inform ourselves and make political decisions. This has consequences for a democratic society. The new webspecial www.ki-und-demokratie.de of Plattform Lernende Systeme explains the challenges, but also the opportunities, that AI presents for opinion-forming and political elections. Using numerous examples, video clips and an interactive quiz, it clearly shows where the use of AI affects democratic principles, how AI-generated or falsified media content - so-called deepfakes - are used and how they can be recognised as such. The webspecial is intended as a contribution to promoting media literacy. 

A Ukrainian general calls for a coup against President Volodymyr Zelenskyi? Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz announces a government declaration banning the AfD? Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin toasting each other with a glass of wine in a party mood? All of this could be seen in deceptively real-looking videos or photos on social media over the past few months. And it was all fake - created or manipulated with the help of Artificial Intelligence. We're talking about deepfakes here. 

Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT or Midjourney make it easier than ever to generate texts, images or videos according to individual specifications. Coupled with malicious intent and the dissemination possibilities of social media, generative AI systems can become a powerful tool for disinformation. In the super election year of 2024, with political elections in around 40 countries worldwide - including India, Germany and the USA - this is explosive. Political, economic and social players have always tried to win over citizens in favour of their interests and goals. But are AI systems now creating a new dimension of hidden influence? How are social processes and political elections changing? And does AI also harbour opportunities for democracy?

Opinion-forming and election campaigns in times of deepfakes

The new webspecial "KI und die demokratische Gesellschaft“ from the independent AI expert network Plattform Lernende Systeme sheds light on these questions. In an easy-to-understand way, it shows where the use of AI systems affects democratic principles, and which legal regulations currently apply in Germany and Europe. It also addresses how AI tools can support the free formation of opinion and open communication in election campaigns, as well as the risks posed by AI-generated media content for the formation of political opinion - particularly in the form of targeted disinformation in the run-up to elections. Promoting citizens' media literacy is therefore a central key to strengthening democratic societies. 

This is illustrated by numerous examples that have been analysed and uncovered by journalistic fact-checkers in recent years. The techniques behind the AI-based manipulation of media content - from face swapping to the synthetic generation of votes - are explained in graphics. A checklist provides tips on how social media users can recognise deepfakes. Fields in which deepfakes are used for positive purposes are also highlighted. 

Recognising deepfakes, strengthening media skills

In addition to basic information, illustrative examples and video interviews with AI experts, the webspecial also offers a quiz to strengthen your own media skills: users can test whether they can distinguish portrait photos of real people from AI-generated faces. A glossary explains important technical terms relating to AI. 

The webspecial "KI und die demokratische Gesellschaft“ (www.ki-und-demokratie.de) is intended as a contribution to promoting media literacy. Text content can be used for the purpose of media education, provided the source (Plattform Lernende Systeme) is cited.