This March 2023 event explored the electoral power of data and the developing artificial intelligence (AI) landscape.

The discussion examined information curation, bias, manipulation, and the rise of deepfakes, including their potential to undermine public trust. It also considered the Australian election experience and what it might mean for New Zealand’s 2023 general election.

The panellists also considered the risks posed by domestic and foreign actors, including potential attempts by other nations to influence voting.

At its heart, the event considered the impact of AI on democracy.

Other topics included the data held by third parties and government agencies, how political parties could use that data, and the implications of AI for the 2023 election cycle.

Should we fear AI or welcome it?

The discussion featured Dr Paul Henderson and Dr Jonathan Cole at Pocket Bar in Grey Lynn on Wednesday 22 March 2023.

The programme included audience questions and discussion.

Our Panellists:

Dr Paul Henderson

Dr Paul Henderson is a Maxim Institute Senior Research Fellow; he taught for twelve years, working for education departments in Europe, Africa, and Asia. He has written education policy and designed and tested tertiary sector and national curricula. He holds degrees from Aberdeen, Cambridge, and Laidlaw College and a PhD from Australian Catholic University. His research focuses on human and artificial intelligence.

Dr Jonathan Cole

Dr Jonathan Cole has a PhD in political theology from CSU, an MA in Islamic theology and Middle Eastern politics from the Australian National University and a BA Hons in Modern Greek language and history from La Trobe University. He is currently Assistant Director of Research at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture at Charles Sturt University, Canberra, Australia, and host of “The Political Animals Podcast.”

He also tweets up a storm at @polanimalspod.