At the Summit for Democracy in Seoul, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol highlighted the dangers of AI-generated fake news and disinformation to democratic values, urging global cooperation to harness technology for enhancing democracy.
Yoon emphasized, “Fake news and disinformation based on artificial intelligence and digital technology not only violates individual freedom and human rights but also threatens democratic systems.”
The summit, initiated by U.S. President Joe Biden, aims to address challenges to democracy, including the erosion of rights and freedoms.
Amidst the discussions, China criticized the inclusion of Taiwan’s Digital Minister Audrey Tang, who participated via video link, arguing against the promotion of Taiwanese independence under the guise of democracy.
The summit’s agenda prominently features the dual role of technology in threatening and supporting democracy, with over 30 countries participating.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the importance of leveraging technology to uphold democratic norms and cautioned against disinformation efforts, particularly in an election year.
He highlighted initiatives to guide tech companies in protecting human rights online and announced expanded efforts to combat the misuse of spyware.
The summit also addressed accusations against Russia and China for their alleged roles in spreading disinformation.
European officials specifically condemned Russia’s misinformation campaigns, with Poland’s Robert Kupiecki criticizing the use of social media and AI by Russia to propagate falsehoods about its actions in Ukraine.
As the conference unfolded, geopolitical tensions were underscored by North Korea’s missile tests and the declaration of Vladimir Putin’s election victory in Russia, sparking criticism over the fairness of the electoral process.
The U.S. condemned Putin’s election, questioning its legitimacy due to political repression, while Putin defended the democratic nature of the election.
The summit thus served as a platform for discussing the intersection of technology, democracy, and international politics, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to safeguard democratic institutions against the challenges posed by digital disinformation and authoritarianism.