In Defense of Truth: Technology and Democracy in the Age of AI

Last season, as generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots dominated the national headlines, we explored the impact of new technologies on teaching, research and learning at colleges and universities. This year, we return to the topic of AI, with a focus on how the technology is affecting our election and information systems. Jonathan Mehta Stein, executive director of California Common Cause, joins us to discuss election protection, including the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), Common Cause’s newest effort to fight technology based-threats to democracy.Episode Resources: CITED – California Initiative for Technology and DemocracyCITED Report: Democracy on Edge in the Digital AgeCA Common Cause – Three Bills Addressing Dangers of AI to Elections Pass Assembly FloorLA Times “Opinion: AI is turbocharging disinformation attacks on voters, especially in communities of color”Washington Post “In Arizona, election workers trained with deepfakes to prepare for 2024” Center on Technology Policy at UNC Chapel Hill Report: The new political ad machine: Policy frameworks for political ads in an age of AI

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SpeechMatters is the official podcast of the University of California National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. The podcast features thought leaders tackling the most pressing issues impacting free expression and democracy on campus, and beyond. Hosted by the Center’s Executive Director, Michelle Deutchman.