With artificial intelligence reshaping various sectors including politics, democracies worldwide are grappling with a pressing question: Can AI deepen democratic participation, or does it inherently manipulate public opinion?
At a recent interaction during the launch of the ‘Global Elections & AI Tracker & Policy Paper’ by Future Shift Labs, featuring Shashank Mani Tripathi, Member of Parliament from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh and Mateusz Łabuz, a researcher at the University of Hamburg’s Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy, experts dissected AI’s dual role in elections — as both a tool for inclusion and a weapon for deception.
Paradox of AI in Elections
Łabuz, whose work focuses on AI’s impact on electoral processes, opened with a striking observation. While much attention has been paid to AI-driven disinformation — deepfakes, synthetic media and bot networks — he argued that the technology also holds untapped potential for democratic engagement.
“India is a fascinating case study,” he said. “Political parties here are using AI to translate speeches into regional languages, ensuring linguistic minorities are no longer sidelined in political discourse.”
But this innovation comes with ethical dilemmas. Does AI, even when used for good, still manipulate cognitive processes? Łabuz pointed to emerging research on “cognitive warfare” — where AI subtly alters how people perceive reality.
His findings suggest that while AI-generated disinformation is rampant, algorithmic amplification — how social media platforms prioritise content — may be even more influential.
“In Germany’s 2025 elections, a Left Party candidate’s viral TikTok speech doubled her support overnight,” he noted. “This wasn’t AI-generated content. It was the algorithm supercharging her reach.”
India’s Battle for Data Sovereignty
Tripathi, an MP with a tech background from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi shifted the focus to data sovereignty — a critical issue for India, where foreign tech giants dominate the digital landscape.
“If we do not t control our data, others will weaponise it against us,” he warned. He cited examples of AI-driven misinformation campaigns in conflict zones like Manipur and Myanmar, where algorithmic radicalisation exacerbated violence.
“During the Rohingya crisis, hate speech algorithms kept pushing extreme content because it drove engagement. The result? Real-world bloodshed,” he said.
To counter this, Tripathi is piloting a “humanist AI” model in his constituency — an approach that prioritises citizen empowerment over corporate data extraction.
“Instead of letting global platforms harvest voter data, we are building tools that help people access education, jobs and governance — without surrendering their privacy,” he explained.
The debate also turned to regulation. While the European Union has adopted strict AI laws and the US leans towards a laissez-faire approach, Tripathi argued for a middle path.
“Over-regulation could stifle Indian startups, but unchecked Big Tech dominance is equally dangerous,” he said.
On the concerns about foreign entities harvesting India’s agricultural and meteorological data. Tripathi agreed, stressing that economic and security-related data must be safeguarded — but without throttling innovation.
Ethical Minefield of AI in Politics
On the question of how AI-generated satirical videos swayed public opinion in recent elections in Mauritius, blurring the line between satire and deception.
Tripathi acknowledged the risks but remained cautiously optimistic. “Elections are the world’s largest job interview. Voters scrutinise candidates — AI can’t completely override that,” he said.
Yet, he warned of “cognitive infiltration” — where AI distorts reality so subtly that voters no longer trust any information.
Digital Literacy and Grassroots AI
Both Tripathi and Łabuz agreed that digital literacy is key to combating AI-driven deception.
“We must educate not just urban elites but also middle India — the backbone of our democracy,” Tripathi said.
As the interaction concluded, one message was clear: AI will shape democracy’s future, but its impact depends on who controls it. For India — and the world — the challenge is to harness its benefits without falling prey to its dangers.
Or, as Tripathi put it: “AI must serve humanity, not the other way around.”
