Kian Vesteinsson

Allie Funk, Research Director for Technology and Democracy at Freedom House, and Kian Vesteinsson, Senior Research Analyst at the same organization, dive into the repressive power of AI. They discuss how AI serves as both a tool for censorship and a means of spreading disinformation, particularly in authoritarian regimes. The guests highlight the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to address AI's harmful effects, including its potential to manipulate elections and create deepfakes. They also draw parallels between historical innovations and contemporary challenges posed by AI.

Allie Funk and Kian Vesteinsson from Freedom House share their insights on the troubling decline of internet freedom for 14 consecutive years, emphasizing the adverse effects on democracy. They discuss the stark contrast between oppressive regimes and more democratic nations regarding internet controls during elections. The guests highlight the role of generative AI in political campaigns, its potential harms, and regulatory challenges. They also address global variations in internet freedom, including harsh crackdowns in Kyrgyzstan versus protections in Chile.