You’ve probably heard: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our lives forever. The release of ChatGPT at the end of 2022 was a breakthrough, showing us a first glimpse into what AI can do when accessible to the general public. But what does this mean for those of us who live in democratic nations?

AI allows citizens and policymakers alike to easily access knowledge and quickly analyze information and enhances the democratic process by enabling more active citizen participation and informed policymaking. At the same time, there are concerns about AI’s potentially detrimental impact on democracy and politics—from elections interference to misinformation to privacy and surveillance issues. How do democracies address the “dual nature” of AI and embrace its potential to spur innovation and enhance prosperity, but also address the perils and its threat to societal safety and national security?

On January 16, TU Wien Informatics will convene policymakers, scientists, students, and citizens for a discussion on how AI is shaping democracies. This special event, “Fostering Democracy in the Age of AI,” is the first in a series of discussions that are part of the new U.S.-Austria Citizen Dialogue organized by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA) and the U.S. Embassy in Austria.This bilateral initiative aims to build people-to-people relations and encourage civic engagement; increase the dialogue around issues important to the citizens of both countries; and bring Austria and the United States closer together around our shared democratic values.