The Impact of Technology on Democracy

Developers hold a disproportionate impact on society. This panel argues they have a responsibility to challenge their biases and build for democracy.

#1about 4 minutes

How social media shapes political perception in elections

Social media platforms like TikTok create information silos that significantly influence younger voters' perceptions, diverging from traditional media narratives.

#2about 2 minutes

How government values shaped COVID-19 contact tracing apps

The development of COVID-19 contact tracing apps revealed differing government priorities, such as privacy in the Netherlands versus centralized tracking in France.

#3about 4 minutes

Fostering tech innovation with a top-down approach

Autocratic governments like the UAE can accelerate large-scale tech projects, such as a national blockchain strategy, by combining a "dream big" mindset with centralized resources.

#4about 4 minutes

Overcoming bureaucracy and strategic tech challenges

Democratic systems can slow down tech initiatives with bureaucracy, while the weaponization of technology introduces new challenges around tech sovereignty and supply chain security.

#5about 6 minutes

Regulating AI, crypto, and online speech in the US

The US faces critical regulatory decisions on AI, crypto, and free speech, with deep political divides and public distrust of government defining the term "misinformation."

#6about 3 minutes

Balancing privacy, safety, and trust in government

In some autocratic states, citizens exhibit high trust in government and are willing to trade some privacy for tangible benefits like safety, security, and economic empowerment.

#7about 4 minutes

The developer's responsibility to build inclusive technology

Developers have a significant societal responsibility to create inclusive, unbiased products and actively participate in democratic processes to shape a better future.