While state electoral commissions manage immediate operational pressures, federal government possesses unique coordination capabilities for addressing AI-enabled threats across Australian democracy. My Churchill Fellowship research across the world suggests what comprehensive national approaches might entail. The evidence points toward questions about the need for permanent coordination mechanisms supporting all Australian electoral jurisdictions. Many successful international … Continue reading How can federal government help Australia’s democratic response to AI threats?
Churchill Fellowship
The unique challenges of state and territory electoral commissions
While national attention often focuses on the Australian Electoral Commission's preparedness for AI threats during elections, state electoral commissions face a distinctly different challenge: near-continuous election cycles, varying funding models, and diverse technical capabilities to address evolving information threats. Yes, that's right. Every state and territory has their own electoral commission, separately funded by their … Continue reading The unique challenges of state and territory electoral commissions
Countdown to Report Publication: The AI Election Apocalypse That Wasn’t
Lessons from 2024's Global Democratic Test The headlines warned 2024 would be the year AI-generated disinformation destroyed democracy. With over 2 billion people voting across 50+ countries, experts predicted deepfakes would flood social media, synthetic audio would manipulate voters, and AI-powered influence operations would determine election outcomes. Yet as 2024's "super election year" concluded, the … Continue reading Countdown to Report Publication: The AI Election Apocalypse That Wasn’t
AI in US Elections: Insights from the US Election Assistance Commission
The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan commission dedicated to improving the administration of elections and helping Americans participate in the voting process. I had the pleasure of meeting with Commissioners Donald Palmer, Thomas Hicks, and Benjamin Hovland for an insightful discussion at their headquarters in Washington, DC. L to R: Commissioner … Continue reading AI in US Elections: Insights from the US Election Assistance Commission
