Are We Ready to Be Governed by Artificial Intelligence? (www.merionwest.com)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into various aspects of democratic governance, impacting crucial functions like healthcare and the judiciary. The Biden administration's policies have allowed Medicare Advantage plans to use AI algorithms for approving or denying medical coverage, raising ethical concerns about algorithmic bias and patient care recommendations for millions of Americans. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has incentivized the use of AI to expedite denial of medical services, further complicating the landscape of AI's role in healthcare. Additionally, AI's application in the judicial system is growing, with judges using these technologies to interpret laws and render decisions, exemplifying a shift towards AI-assisted jurisprudence. This integration of AI within government raises significant questions about power distribution and accountability. The use of AI can either concentrate power in the hands of a few or empower individual citizens and officials, depending on how it is implemented. As seen in legislative bodies globally, such as the Brazilian parliament or the Scottish Parliament's civic engagement initiatives, the potential exists for AI to enhance democratic processes by amplifying constituent voices. Ultimately, while we may not be fully governed by AI yet, it is evident that AI is already influencing governance, necessitating a collective effort to steer its application towards enhancing democracy rather than facilitating centralization and authoritarianism.