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The Sunday Show

Is an Anti-Fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence Possible?

Mar 23, 2025
Dan McQuillan, a senior lecturer in creative and social computing and author of "Resisting AI: An Anti-fascist Approach to Artificial Intelligence," discusses the intersection of AI and authoritarianism. He advocates for transformative AI that counters corporate and state power. The conversation explores the societal implications of generative AI, critiques the notion of AI as a solution to complex issues, and emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach to technology that prioritizes community welfare over corporate interests.
52:46

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Quick takeaways

  • AI poses significant risks to democracy by enabling authoritarian regimes to strengthen control and repress populations.
  • Dr. Dan McQuillan advocates for developing AI through a liberatory framework that prioritizes human rights and social equity.

Deep dives

The Threat of AI to Democracy

Artificial intelligence poses a significant risk to democratic governance, as it can be utilized to strengthen authoritarian regimes. Researchers, including Stephen Feldstein, have noted how AI enables oppressive governments to exert control over citizens, thereby threatening democracy globally. Evidence of this troubling trend can be seen in the rising authoritarianism in various countries, where AI assists in the repression and surveillance of populations. The use of centralized technologies underlines a concerning relationship between AI and the state, which can lead to diminished freedoms for individuals.

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