AI and Big Tech threaten democracy, warns digital policy expert Francesca Bria
Francesca Bria, a leading digital policy expert, has raised urgent concerns about the growing influence of technology on democracy. She warns that unchecked AI, corporate control of digital platforms, and Europe’s reliance on foreign tech all pose serious threats to political freedom and public debate. Bria highlights the dangers of AI-powered weapons, calling for a worldwide discussion on their military use. She argues that without regulation, these systems could destabilise global security and erode democratic values.
She also criticises the dominance of major tech companies, describing their control as an assault on independent journalism. According to her, these firms are undermining the role of free media in democratic societies. At the heart of her argument is Europe’s technological dependence, particularly on the United States. Bria insists this reliance weakens the EU’s political and economic independence. To counter this, she urges Europe to reclaim digital sovereignty—controlling its own infrastructure, data, and innovation. For Bria, digital sovereignty is not just about technology but about safeguarding democracy itself. Without it, she warns, Europe risks losing influence over its own future.
Bria’s warnings point to a critical moment for Europe’s digital and democratic future. She stresses that without action, the concentration of tech power and unregulated AI could reshape politics, journalism, and security. Her call for a global debate signals the need for urgent policy changes to protect open societies.
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