The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies presents both opportunities and risks for the future of democracy. On one hand, AI can improve governance, expand access to information, and increase civic participation. But unchecked, opaque and biased AI systems could also enable unforeseen levels of social control, manipulation and surveillance by corporations and governments. As AI advances, we must take active steps to ensure it strengthens, rather than undermines, the pillars of democratic society.

Promote AI Literacy

A knowledgeable public is essential for maintaining democratic oversight and accountability. But the complexity of AI systems makes it hard for citizens to understand how they function. Targeted educational initiatives on AI literacy are needed, beginning in schools but also reaching adults through public awareness campaigns. People must grasp key concepts like machine learning, neural networks and data bias to evaluate AI responsibly. Global collaboration between educators, technologists and civil society can build this baseline understanding across all levels of society.

Enforce Transparency Requirements

Opacity is a major risk with AI systems. Their decision-making processes are often inscrutable black boxes, even to their creators. Laws must compel transparency for public sector AI and accountability for private sector systems that significantly impact the public. Vendors should disclose development processes, data sources and real-world performance metrics. Independent auditing of algorithms and datasets for bias is crucial. And citizens should have the right to explanations for AI decisions affecting their lives. Such transparency will build public trust in AI.

Prevent Data Misuse

Data is the lifeblood of AI. But the relentless collection, aggregation and monetisation of personal data by tech companies also threatens privacy rights while fuelling surveillance capitalism. Legislators must enact stronger data protection laws that put hard limits on what data companies can collect and retain. Data labelling and annotation practices should be carefully regulated. And neutral data trusts could ensure secure access for AI research in the public interest. Robust data governance will prevent the exploitation of people's digital footprints.

Strengthen Anti-Manipulation Safeguards

As AI generates highly persuasive content from text to imagery, we risk falling victim to mass manipulation that undermines objectivity and corrodes social cohesion. Policymakers must ban malicious uses of generative AI like creating false videos of politicians. Strict rules against micro-targeting based on illegally obtained data or psychological profiles could limit hyper-personalised influence campaigns. Investments into benign AI applications like fact checking and content authentication will also counter manipulation.

Preserve Human Oversight

While AI can enhance many tasks, ultimate responsibility for managing democracies must remain with humans. Laws are needed to prohibit fully autonomous AI systems from positions of civic authority and law enforcement until comprehensive technical and ethical standards are met. For all government-employed AI, mandatory oversight mechanisms, impact assessments and meaningful human control over outcomes will uphold accountability. Democratic ideals demand wisdom and ethics beyond coding.

Prioritise AI for Social Benefit

Maximising profits cannot remain technology's cardinal objective. Policy incentives like targeted grants and tax credits can encourage tech companies to address societal needs through AI. Non-profits and public institutions pioneering applications like personalised education, microfinance, healthcare and sustainability should receive public funding and preferred access to AI talent and computing resources. Democratising access along income, geographic and gender lines will spread AI's benefits.

The responsible development of AI comes down to maintaining humanistic values against commercial and governmental forces seeking dominance through technology. But if citizens, activists, workers, policymakers and tech builders unite to implant ethics, transparency and inclusion into our AI foundations, this powerful technology can uplift democracy to new heights. Our future remains unwritten - through civic participation and visionary leadership, we can guide AI towards empowering democratic ideals rather than undercutting them.