Parallel sessions (panel) - Responsibility, security and governance

As AI becomes embedded in the infrastructure of civic life, questions of responsibility, security and governance strike at the heart of how democratic institutions function and whether the public interest can be protected. This panel brings together researchers working across public service media, industrial strategy, and AI governance to examine the risks and responsibilities that emerge when democratic societies grow deeply dependent on private technology firms.  

From the opaque AI systems eroding editorial independence in public service newsrooms, to the sovereignty risks created by an over-reliance on foreign AI stacks coupled with centralised, short-termist policymaking, the panelists will discuss how AI governance and democratic governance connect. We'll explore just how much protecting public interest and democratic health requires coordinated action across the media industry, Whitehall, and regional governments alike. 

Moderators: Gavin Leuzzi 

Contributors (More details to be announced):

• Dr. Bronwyn Jones

• Dr. Darcy Lukes

The panel will aim to: 

• showcase University of Edinburgh expertise in AI governance 

• surface cross-sector challenges at the intersection of media, politics and technology 

• interrogate what responsible AI governance means in practice when it comes to issues of national security and the public interest 

• inspire engagement and collaboration between researchers, policymakers and industry

We invite attendees to contribute their questions and perspectives during the time for questions and answers.