Artificial Intelligence and Democracy: The AIdemoc Project Launched in Helsinki

The Strategic Research Council (STN) of the Academy of Finland has granted funding for the AIdemoc project, which investigates the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of democracy. The project focuses particularly on the opportunities and risks of generative AI, such as the spread of disinformation and digital vulnerabilities. The project’s kickoff event, AIdemoc Kick Off, was held in Helsinki on March 7, 2025, at Almatalo.

The event featured several expert presentations and discussions on the role of AI in society. Speakers included Riina Nevalainen, Editor-in-Chief of Kauppalehti, who reflected on the importance of quality journalism in the age of AI, and Olli-Pekka Rissanen, Chief Specialist at the Ministry of Finance, who addressed the role of research in the digitalization of public administration.

The project’s consortium leader, Anna-Mari Wallenberg, emphasized the significance of the initiative:

“Our goal is to understand how AI can support democratic processes while managing its risks. The AIdemoc project aims to produce practical solutions and policy recommendations for the use of AI in democratic processes. Researchers and stakeholders involved in the project will work together to develop solutions over the coming years.”

Another objective of the project is to increase transparency in decision-making and to enhance citizens’ opportunities to participate through AI.

“In times of uncertainty, the role of foresight becomes more important in preparing for future threats to democracy and in creating the potential for digital democracy,” noted Nina Wessberg, leader of the VTT subproject.

STN funding enables interdisciplinary research examining the effects of AI on decision-making and information influence.

“We’ve entered a time of unrest. Threats are more complex and harder to detect. It’s essential to understand the impacts of AI on democracy now, as its use in society expands rapidly,” summarized Professor Vilma Luoma-aho from the University of Jyväskylä, who is involved in the project.

Mitä mieltä olet tekoälystä?

Katso kick off -tilaisuuden haastattelut:

Liikenne- ja viestintävirasto Traficomin johtava asiantuntija Susanna Niinivaara haastattelussa AIdemoc-hankkeen kick offissa 7.3.2025. Haastattelija: Teo Keitaanranta

Onko generatiivinen tekoäly teollinen vallankumous?

Valtionvarainministeriön tietojohtaja Vesa Lipponen haastattelussa AIdemoc-hankkeen kick offissa 7.3.2025. Haastattelija: Teo Keitaanranta

Jyväskylän yliopiston Informaatioteknologian tiedekunnan projektitutkija Henrikki Salo-Pöntinen haastattelussa AIdemoc-hankkeen kick offissa 7.3.2025. Haastattelija: Teo Keitaanranta

Keskuskauppakamarin johtava asiantuntija (IPR ja digitalisaatio) Minna Aalto-Setälä kick offissa 7.3.2025. Haastattelija: Teo Keitaanranta.

SHIELD-ohjelmanjohtaja Karoliina Snell Helsingin yliopistosta lähettää terveiset tutkimusryhmälle AIdemoc kick off tilaisuudessa 7.3.2025

Opettaja Elina Seppänen Espoon aikuislukio Omniasta lähettää terveiset tutkimusryhmälle AIdemoc kick off tilaisuudessa 7.3.2025

Patrik Floréen Suomen tekoälykeskuksesta (Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence) muistuttaa, että on paljon muutakin tekoälyä generatiivisten mallien lisäksi.