"Artificial intelligence is introducing a profound technological layer into how democratic societies function"

The Jean Monnet module features a brief conversation with Rubén Nicolas Sans, Director of the School of Engineering, Science and Technology at UNIE, about AI and democratic societies. Rubén has held the distinction of Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) since 2018 and the rank of Associate Professor, awarded by the Agency for the Quality of the University System of Catalonia (AQU) in 2023. In 2014, he earned his PhD from Ramon Llull University (URL) with the highest distinction, Summa Cum Laude. He also holds a Master's degree in Computer Engineering (2006) and a Technical degree in Computer Systems Engineering (2005), both from URL. Since then, he has continued to update his research through specialized courses and seminars, with special emphasis on postgraduate training, highlighting the Master in Communication Management and Advertising Management (MPC, 2013) and the Master in Business Administration (MBA, 2014) at ESIC Business & Marketing School.

How is AI reshaping democratic societies today?

Artificial intelligence is introducing a profound technological layer into how democratic societies function, particularly in decision-making, political communication and social organisation. On the one hand, it enables more efficient public services, more sophisticated analysis of complex data and better-informed policy design. On the other, it raises significant challenges for democratic quality when deployed without sufficient transparency or oversight. Algorithms increasingly influence what information citizens see, which voices gain visibility and how certain decisions are automated, and this can subtly but decisively shape public debate and equality of opportunity if not carefully governed.

What would you identify as the main risks AI poses to democracy?

The most pressing risk is the erosion of transparency and accountability. When meaningful decisions are delegated to algorithmic systems that are difficult to understand or scrutinise, the democratic principle of public oversight is weakened. Added to this are phenomena such as automated disinformation, the manipulation of public discourse through generative systems and the amplification of existing social or ideological biases. Without a robust ethical and regulatory framework, AI can undermine trust in institutions and intensify polarisation, both of which are particularly damaging in democratic contexts.

Under what conditions can AI strengthen rather than weaken democratic systems?

The decisive factors are responsible design, intelligent regulation and widespread digital literacy. AI systems must be explainable, auditable and clearly aligned with democratic values such as equality, pluralism and the protection of fundamental rights. Equally important is ensuring that citizens have a basic understanding of how these technologies operate and how they shape everyday life. When AI is governed ethically, transparently and with a strong emphasis on education, it has the potential to reinforce democracy by making it more participatory, more informed and more resilient, rather than diminishing it.