From electronic voting to AI: lessons from the Estonian Case on the transformation of digital democracy

Abstract: The advancement of artificial intelligence is transforming the technological landscape and generating debates about its numerous effects. The integration of AI into the political sphere raises critical questions: can it enhance institutional transparency and decision-making processes, or does it promote a manipulative use of algorithms, violating ethical and legal norms? This study examines the implications of AI in the political arena, focusing on risks to citizens’ privacy related to data use and the legal tools available to protect them in Europe. A case of particular interest is Estonia, a leader in the adoption of digital technologies in public governance. By analysing its experience, this research will explore how AI influences the electoral system and governance, with attention to the ethical, legal, and social consequences. The study will evaluate whether these initiatives are genuinely democratic or pose a threat to citizens’ rights. The aim is to provide a critical and comprehensive overview of the complex dynamics related to the implementation of AI in politics, contributing to the understanding of the implications of this disruptive technology and its impact on democratic systems and European regulations.