Is AI now political? Here’s what must happen next

The narrative of artificial intelligence has always been defined as automation. That is, large language models compiling data and gathering existing information in order to generate the quickest response. For the past couple of years, that has been the standard, and that is how society has always trained it to be.

Slowly but surely, however, AI is moving in a much different direction. Increasingly, AI is not simply just automation anymore. Headlines have proven it is drifting into politics, transforming the government and regulation much further than technology has ever seen.

Beyond Automation

AI in politics comes with a great deal of potential. On one end, it can ease political processes in regard to election campaigns, governance, and civic engagement. On another end, it can enhance efficiency and outreach, analyzing large amounts of data in order for policymakers to make the best decisions for the public.

At the same time, political AI is incredibly dangerous. Because it can help simplify legislation, that can lead to the spreading of misinformation at an unprecedented speed. While AI can also help citizens voice opinions more openly, that idea can manipulate voices and erode public trust. There is also a great risk of bias that could place every side of the U.S. democracy in vulnerable positions.

Nicolas Genest, Founder & CEO of CodeBoxx, warns this type of evolution is forming at an alarming pace. He says, “AI capabilities today are evolving at a pace much quicker than the frameworks and guardrails meant to contain it. Every regulation, every headline reporting on technology impact, every political stance is driving real-world consequences for innovation, competitiveness, and society.”

According to the Pew Research Center, Americans are deeply concerned about where AI in policy is going. Data shows 47% of Americans say they have little to no trust in the U.S. to effectively regulate AI. Additionally, both Republicans and Democrats report feeling equally hesitant about the increased use of AI in the U.S. 

When AI becomes political, questions loom about who ultimately gets to decide the fate. When the government gets involved, the space between legislation and innovation becomes blurry. The freewill of citizens also becomes unclear, where every opinion gets saturated by machine generation.

From Policy to Humans

In order to maintain the promise of both AI and politics, that is why experts believe the key to success is human value. Rather than merging the two, we must place humans at the center of innovation.

Genest explains, “We must do more in a context of intense innovation to allow the system to govern and anticipate potential threats or unbearable impact to civilization. The human experience and accountability must remain at the center, guiding policy with insightful optimism rather than fear. AI is becoming a global utility, and if we harness it responsibly, it can unify rather than divide.”

Human value is what ensures that technology maintains integrity, accountability, and fairness. When written by the human experience, people get to provide emotional input and uncover challenges that may lead to political strain. It is about creating an ecosystem that anticipates how AI impacts the public, before the consequences damage current policy.

Otherwise, AI without humans becomes heavily influenced by algorithms. Citizens would make political choices based on what is generated to them, while policymakers can enforce laws that push Americans toward certain viewpoints. The system becomes polarized, driven by fractured oversight.

Yet, with AI continually shifting into politics, it is important to recognize that the solution is not about completely resisting this reality. With proper intention, regulation can keep its pace, innovation can progress, and AI and policy can live in harmony.

The Journey Ahead

As everyone knows it, technology is always accelerating, and that is especially true with the age of AI. But the more it advances, the more responsibility it takes from humanity to define what is morally right versus wrong.

Without question, the line between AI and politics might just change the face of the U.S. government forever. That is why the system depends on the people now. If AI wants to remain revolutionary, and the government wants to keep its momentum, only humans can fix this crisis today. 

The question now is, are they ready to make that shift? 

Reference: https://www.timesla.com/is-ai-now-political-heres-what-must-happen-next/