Securing the ballot. Elections in times of AI and new technological changes

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Draft Agenda

11:00 - 11:05 Welcome by Axel Dauchez 

11:05 – 11:15 Keynote by Axel Dauchez, The Democratic Shield 

11:15 - 12:00 PANEL. Elections in times of AI and new technological changes 

  • Opening and Presentation of speakers by Souwie Buis 
  • AI and Elections by Vassils Ntousas
  • The Journalism Trust Initaitve by Julie Majerczak
  • Political Party Code of Conducts by Marilyn Neven 
  • Fundamental rights in the digital era by FRA Representative 

12:00 - 12:20 Q&A, moderated by Souwie Buis 

12:20 - 12:30 Conclusions by Arno Pons, The Digital New Deal 

Panellists:

  • Axel Dauchez, Make.org
  • Souwie Buis 
  • Vassils Ntousas, GMF's Alliance for Securing Democracy
  • Marilyn Neven, International IDEA
  • Representative, European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights
  • Julie Majerczak, Reporters Sans Frontières
  • Arno Pons, The Digital New Deal 

Concept Note

The development of new technologies has led to numerous changes in all areas of our society. In the realm of modern democracy, the influence of technology on electoral processes has become both a powerful ally and a significant challenge. As we approach the upcoming European elections in June 2024, the spotlight inevitably falls on the pivotal role of technology, especially on artificial intelligence, either as a tool to safeguard the voting process or as a risk of malicious interference and innovative disinformation. There is an urgent need for additional action to ensure the integrity and security of elections in order to preserve the democratic process.  

But what tools and methods do we have available, as civil society, institutions, academia and tech. actors, to safeguard the European elections from technology-based interference? In recent years, many initiatives have been taken in order to counter attacks on democracy, reflecting the scale and gravity of the issue at hand.  

Yet, we can see that more can and should be done in the few months left before the elections. Clearly, instruments such as the EU AI Act, the Defence of Democracy package are crucial in reinforcing resilience to disinformation campaigns. On top of that, it is necessary to explore new and innovative approaches to keep our democratic processes robust and immune from external influences. Here, the role of European civic tech is key since it acts at the intersection between democratic innovation and technological progress. 

In the scope of the Civil Society Week launched by the EESC, this workshop will provide an insightful discussion on the different existing or yet-to-be-developed methods and tools for safeguarding the democratic process during the upcoming European elections.

Objective

Over the course of 90 minutes, the panellists will provide their views on the topic first. The floor is then opened up for an interactive session, giving participants the chance to share their insights into technology-related threats to democracy and collectively exploring potential tools to secure the European elections. 

Outcomes

At the end of the workshop, participants will have

  • a better understanding of technology-related threats to democracy

  • engaged in an in-depth discussion on the existing tools  

  • explored example initiatives coming from civil society to safeguard the upcoming elections 

  • discovered the Democratic Shield initiated by Make.org, along with EU Desinfo Lab, Science Po, RSF - Reporters without borders, New Digital Deal, Mozilla.AI, France Digital, Telecom Paris, Sopra Steria & ACTE - Association Civic Tech Europe 

  • had new reflections stimulated on this matter 

Work organisation