Artificial intelligence, Disinformation and Parliament: Ensuring the Integrity of our Digital Democracy

Conference Overview

Dates: 4 to 6 December 2023

Location: Online (via Zoom)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize our lives and societies in many ways. It can help us make better decisions, improve our productivity, and even save lives. For example, AI can be used to predict natural disasters and prevent them from causing widespread damage. AI can also be used to automate mundane tasks, freeing up time for more substantive, creative and innovative work.

However, AI also poses significant risks to our democracies and public discourse, especially when it comes to disinformation. Artificial intelligence and synthetic media, such as Deepfakes, can be used to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. Their existence can also blur the lines between objective fact and subjective opinion, with a guilty party dismissing damning evidence as a digital forgery. Therefore, it is crucial that legislators keep up with developments in these technologies and work towards creating a legislative environment that ensures the integrity of our ever more digital democracies.

Parliamentarians, who may have previously contended with fake accounts bearing their names, may have to fight digitally created 'doppelgangers' using offensive language, briefing against their own party and partaking in activities they never engaged in.  

To this end, it is important that Parliamentarians gain an appreciation of the threats posed by AI and synthetic media, as well as what a good legislative environment could look like. This includes identifying key actors who can help shape the conversation around AI and disinformation, as well as developing policies that promote transparency, authenticity and accountability.

It is also important to recognise that AI is not a panacea for all our problems. While it has the potential to do great things, it is not without its limitations. Therefore, it is important that we approach AI with caution and develop policies that ensure its responsible use.

The Conference on the 4IR - Artificial Intelligence, Disinformation and Parliament: Ensuring the Integrity of our Digital Democracy provides an excellent opportunity for Parliamentarians to learn about the latest developments in AI and synthetic media, as well as engage with experts in the field. 

What is the format for the Conference?

Date and platform: The conference will be hosted on Zoom from 4 to 6 December 2023.

Session Types:

• Panel Discussions
• Roundtables
• 1-to-1 Dialogues
• Explainers
• Q&As

Time zones:

Timings each day are adjusted to accommodate participants from the nine CPA Regions.

How can I attend the Conference?

How: Register on Zoom for each day you wish to attend. You will receive a personalised link to attend.

Links: Each day has its unique Zoom link available in the Conference Programme section.

Deadline: Ensure you register by 1 December 2023 as spaces are limited.

Conference Programme

The proposed themes for the conference are:

• Day 1: Core Concepts: Disinformation, Artificial Intelligence and Synthetic Media | Register -> 
• Day 2: The Threat Landscape: Threats, Vulnerabilities and Combatting Disinformation | Register ->
• Day 3: Individual Protection: Deepfakes, Disinformation and Reputational Threats | Register - >

Browse the full programme ->

REMINDER: If you wish to attend multiple days, complete a separate registration form for each day, using the specific link for that day. Each day of the Conference will complement the other days and we hope to see you at as many sessions as possible though we understand if you are unable to join for the entire programme.

Get Involved

Excited to discuss the big questions on the future of technology and its impact on democracy?

Follow us on Twitter @cpa_secretariat and join the conversation using #CPA4IR. We'll be tweeting throughout the Conference.

If you know parliamentary colleagues or others in your network that would be interested in the conference, use the share button at the top of the page to share it on social media or via email.

For questions about the Conference, please contact James Pinnell at james.pinnell@cpahq.org.