“Smile to Vote": Is the use of artificial intelligence in elections credible?

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the main challenges, real fears and existing consequences of artificial intelligence interference in the implementation of e-governance and elections both in Ukraine and abroad. Given the global nature and universality of the problem, the main vectors of influence of artificial intelligence functions on digital electoral procedures were considered. Among these vectors, the author distinguishes technical and perceptual influences on the course of the electoral process. A number of cases from the electoral practice of Europe and the USA are presented and analysed. It is determined that for the further improvement and development of electronic voting, the technical side of artificial intelligence capabilities can have a positive impact, while at the same time, at the perceptual level, i.e. at the level of perception, artificial intelligence often develops into an uncontrollable force and can lead to the destruction of established democratic electoral principles through manipulation and misinformation. The article examines legal and non-legal ways to combat the negative effects of artificial intelligence in various areas and outlines gaps and challenges for the national practice of regulating the functions of artificial intelligence and neural networks. The author concludes that it is important to introduce effective tools to prevent the excessive and harmful use of artificial intelligence, without losing sight of the traditionally important principles of electoral law.