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From Threat to Tool: Reclaiming AI for Democracy

Event artwork for From Threat to Tool: Reclaiming AI for Democracy

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About this event

What to expect

Explore how AI can threaten, and strengthen, democracy at this English-language panel on 14 October 2026 at De Balie in Amsterdam. Hosted by Volt There, the evening moves beyond the question of whether artificial intelligence will affect democratic life to examine how society can actively shape that impact.

From democratic risk to public tool

Deepfakes of politicians, personalised disinformation and election microtargeting are already making it more difficult for citizens to decide what, and whom, to trust. This panel will confront those risks while also exploring a more constructive possibility: using AI and other emerging technologies to make democratic decision-making more transparent, accessible and inclusive.

The conversation is inspired by “Keeping Democracy in the Race: How emerging technologies can strengthen citizen participation in democratic decision making”, a research report from the research platform Charge. Its findings consider how technology could:

  • Lower barriers to democratic participation
  • Help structure complex public discussions
  • Make decision-making processes more transparent
  • Support responsible experimentation alongside effective safeguards

A central question will run through the discussion: should democratic innovators wait for legislation to catch up, or begin testing new approaches now with safeguards built in from the outset? Rather than treating regulation and innovation as opposing forces, the event will examine how they might develop together.

Speakers and format

The announced lineup features Reinier van Lanschot, Robin Twickler and Alexandre Ferreira Gomes. Expect an in-person evening of panel conversation, critical reflection and practical perspectives, not simply a debate about controlling AI, but an exploration of how it might be reclaimed for democratic participation.

The event is relevant to people interested in AI, emerging technology, politics, citizen participation, public policy and the future of democratic institutions. The discussion will be held in English.

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