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In a significant effort to address the growing intersection of technology and democracy, the Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) has announced an international conference focused on artificial intelligence’s impact on information integrity and democratic processes. Scheduled for March 17 at FGV headquarters in Brasília, the event brings together experts from across Latin America and Europe to examine the complex challenges emerging in our increasingly AI-driven information landscape.
The conference, officially titled “International Conference on Disinformation, Sovereignty, and Democracy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” represents a collaborative initiative between FGV Comunicação and the Delegation of the European Union in Brazil. This partnership highlights the global nature of concerns surrounding AI’s influence on information ecosystems and democratic institutions.
According to organizers, the gathering will serve as a forum for multidisciplinary dialogue among researchers, journalists, government officials, and representatives from international organizations and civil society groups. Participants will explore how artificial intelligence technologies are reshaping content production and distribution, while examining potential regulatory frameworks and governance models.
Marco Ruediger, director of FGV Comunicação, will lead the opening ceremony alongside Marian Schuegraf, ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Brazil. Their joint appearance underscores the international significance of the issues at stake.
The conference agenda features two main panel discussions addressing different dimensions of the AI-democracy relationship. The first panel will focus specifically on disinformation challenges and foreign interference affecting Brazil and the broader Latin American region. Notable participants include Marcela Ríos Tobar, International IDEA’s director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and respected Folha de S.Paulo journalist Patricia Campos Mello. This session will be moderated by Beatriz Farrugia, a senior analyst at Debunk.org.
The second panel will expand the conversation to explore how AI and other emerging technologies are impacting democratic processes more broadly. This discussion will feature insights from Marcelo Almeida, who serves as special advisor to Brazil’s Attorney General, and João Brant, Secretary of Digital Policies at the Social Communication Secretariat of the Brazilian Presidency. Amaro Grassi, vice director of FGV’s School of Communication, Media, and Information, will moderate the exchange.
This conference comes at a pivotal moment in Brazil’s ongoing dialogue about technology regulation. The country has recently intensified discussions regarding platform accountability and digital rights following several high-profile controversies involving social media and information manipulation. Meanwhile, the European Union continues implementing its Digital Services Act, presenting potential models for democratic governance of digital spaces.
The timing is particularly relevant as Brazil prepares for municipal elections later this year. Electoral authorities have expressed growing concern about AI-generated deepfakes and other sophisticated forms of misinformation that could potentially disrupt the democratic process.
For those interested in attending, the event will run from 9 AM to 12 PM at SGAN Quadra 602, Modules A, B and C, Asa Norte in Brasília. Registration is free but subject to capacity limitations. To accommodate the international audience, simultaneous translation between English and Portuguese will be provided.
The conference reflects a growing recognition that AI technologies present both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges for information integrity and democratic governance. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from government, academia, media, and civil society, organizers hope to foster collaborative approaches to protecting democratic values while navigating the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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12 Comments
The potential for AI to be misused to undermine democratic processes is deeply troubling. I’m glad to see this issue being tackled by an international coalition of experts and stakeholders.
The intersection of technology and democracy is a complex and challenging topic. I appreciate the conference bringing together diverse voices to examine these concerns around AI’s impact on information ecosystems.
It’s encouraging to see this collaborative international effort to address these important issues. I hope the discussions lead to meaningful insights and actionable steps.
Safeguarding the integrity of information in the digital age is crucial for the health of democratic systems. I’m interested to hear the experts’ insights on how to mitigate the risks posed by AI-driven disinformation.
This conference represents an important step in addressing a critical challenge facing democratic societies. I’m hopeful the expert dialogue will lead to meaningful progress in safeguarding information integrity.
Disinformation can have serious consequences for democratic institutions. I’m glad to see experts coming together to explore how to harness AI in a way that supports, rather than undermines, democratic processes.
The rise of AI-powered disinformation is a significant threat that deserves close attention. I commend the organizers for bringing together this international coalition to tackle these important issues.
Addressing the interplay between technology, information, and democracy is vital. I’m optimistic that this conference will yield valuable insights and potential solutions.
This is a critical issue as AI capabilities grow. Ensuring the integrity of information and democratic processes is essential. I’m curious to hear the experts’ perspectives on practical solutions to mitigate these disinformation threats.
Maintaining trust in democratic institutions is crucial, and the risks posed by AI-driven disinformation are concerning. I look forward to seeing what concrete steps emerge from this important discussion.
As AI capabilities advance, the potential for misuse in spreading disinformation is concerning. I look forward to learning more about the experts’ perspectives on balancing technological progress with the need to protect democratic systems.
This is a critical challenge that requires a nuanced, multidisciplinary approach. I’m hopeful the conference will shed light on effective strategies to address these complex issues.