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Is the use of artificial intelligence in electoral processes safe? This is the question that led Dr. José Luis Vargas Valdez to author an article under the title "How AI Can Disrupt Democratic Processes," presented on Wednesday 13th November at the Faculty of Science as part of activities organised by the International Chair in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence and the Demographic Challenge at the University of Salamanca.

Drawing on his experience as a senior expert in electoral crime and his involvement with the Venice Commission, Vargas conducted a study on how AI can voluntarily and involuntarily affect democratic processes, noting that it has only been implemented in a small number of countries with democratic systems.

He explained that, currently, in most democratic powers, voting is still conducted in a primitive manner entirely through a manual process. Of these, approximately 5% have combined manual and digital methods by virtually counting ballots, while only 3% have fully migrated. Therefore, the manual process still prevails, largely due to "a lack of trust in the algorithm of the system," as it could alter the democratic process.

The use of AI throughout the electoral process, he pointed out, poses a risk to its democratic principles due to the possibility of influencing votes through technology. Additionally, the use of different AI programmes can facilitate the creation of content that ridicules politicians’ images by spreading it on social media.

In conclusion, Vargas noted that the implementation of AI in electoral processes presents more dilemmas than solutions, but that steps are being taken to ensure its ethical and reliable use. "The first steps are already being taken by the Venice Commission with the development of a manual to regulate its use in electoral settings."

José Luis Vargas, Expert in Electoral Crimes

José Luis Vargas Valdez, a lawyer with a PhD in Constitutional Law and Political Science from the University of Barcelona, has a long-standing professional career in electoral crime and the resolution of legal disputes. He has recently participated in the Venice Commission and the Committee on Artificial Intelligence (CAI) of the Council of Europe.

With over 20 years of experience in democratic commissions, Vargas has developed studies on electoral law, constitutional law, public international law, and comparative human rights analysis. He has had the opportunity to present these studies in countries across America, Europe, and Asia.