The Fundamental Duty of Information in Elections By Candidates Using Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), especially algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI), on electoral processes and contemporary politics, aiming to understand how these technologies impact the formation of public opinion and voters' decision-making, as well as to identify threats to the integrity of democratic systems.   Theoretical Framework: This section presents the main concepts and theories that underpin the research. It highlights the works of renowned authors such as Nick Bostrom, Giuliano da Empoli, B. J. Fogg, Shoshana Zuboff, and Cathy O’Neil, which provide a solid foundation for understanding the context of the investigation. Additionally, concepts related to information manipulation, dissemination of fake news, and the ethical and trust impacts of ICTs are addressed.   Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes a literature review and documentary analysis. The literature review covers works by the aforementioned renowned authors, while the documentary analysis includes the study of emblematic cases of data manipulation in elections, such as Russian influence in the 2016 US elections. Data collection was carried out through the analysis of texts and documents relevant to the topic.   Results and Discussion: The results revealed that the use of algorithms and AI has a significant impact on the formation of public opinion and voters' decision-making. The dissemination of fake news was highlighted as a common practice that compromises the right to truthful information and the integrity of the democratic process. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the identified ethical implications and trust challenges. Possible discrepancies and limitations of the study are also considered in this section.   Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of political science and communication. These implications include the need for implementing measures to ensure the transparency and veracity of information, preserving the integrity of democratic systems, and ensuring informed and conscious decisions by voters.   Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by deeply investigating the impact of ICTs on electoral processes, highlighting the dissemination of fake news and information manipulation as threats to democratic integrity. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its theoretical and practical contributions to understanding and mitigating the ethical and trust challenges associated with the use of algorithms and AI in contemporary politics.