From the New York Times bestselling author of The Hacker's Mind and Data & Goliath, an informative and wide-ranging exploration of how AI will alter every facet of democracy, and how to harness the technology to distribute rather than concentrate power. AI will change democracy. The only question is how. AI s impact on democracy will go far beyond headline-grabbing political deepfakes and automated misinformation. Everywhere it will be used, it will create risks and opportunities to shake up long-standing power structures. In this highly readable and advisedly optimistic book, Rewiring Democracy, security technologist Bruce Schneier and data scientist Nathan Sanders cut through the AI hype and examine the myriad ways that AI could dramatically change every aspect of democracy for both good and ill. The authors describe how the sophistication of AI will fulfill demands from lawmakers for more complex legislation, reducing deference to the executive and altering the balance of power between legislators and administrators. They show how the scalability of AI is enabling civil servants to enforce regulations on corporations used to skirting the rules, which will reshape private-sector behavior. They also explain how both lawyers and judges will leverage the speed of AI, upending how we think about law enforcement, litigation, and dispute resolution. Whether these outcomes enhance or degrade democracy depends on how we shape the development and use of AI technologies. Powerful players in private industry and public life are already using AI to increase their influence, and AIs built by corporations to drive shareholder value aren t designed to deliver the fairness and trust necessary to enhance democratic governance. But, steered in the right direction, the broad scope of an AI-augmented democracy would help citizens build consensus, express their voice, and organize against anti-democratic policies. Democracy is facing new challenges worldwide, and AI will be a part of that. It can inform, empower, and engage citizens. It can also disinform, disempower, and disengage them. The choice is up to us. Schneier and Sanders blaze the path forward, showing us how we can use it to make an AI-infused democracy stronger and more participatory.

ENDORSEMENTS

“This book offers a hopeful, practical vision: Technology serving the public, not the privileged. A must-read for anyone shaping our digital future.”
—Audrey Tang, first Minister of Digital Affairs of Taiwan

“A panoramic and thorough survey, Rewiring Democracy provides an original and imaginative take on the impacts of AI on democracy. It’s full of brilliant nuggets of extrapolation. I really enjoyed it.”
—Mustafa Suleyman, CEO, Microsoft AI; author of The Coming Wave

“Rewiring Democracy is the rare AI book that pairs deep technical insight with a pragmatic roadmap for safeguarding democracy and turning anxiety into action. Clear, constructive, and quietly optimistic, this is essential reading for anyone determined to steer AI toward the public good.”
—Beth Noveck, Founder, The Governance Lab and Professor of Law and Experiential AI, Northeastern University

“A thoughtful and rigorous exploration of democracy as an information system and AI’s potential impacts on decision making, advocacy, and governance at all levels. Essential reading for government leaders who want to strengthen democracy with emerging technologies.”
—Ann Lewis, former Director of Technology Transformation Services, U.S. General Services Administration

“While Schneier and Sanders are more optimistic than I am about the future of artificial intelligence and policy, you will be glad to have taken the time to read and understand their well-articulated arguments.”
—Vint Cerf, internet pioneer

“For AI companies or politicians to serve democracy, people must take deliberate steps. Rewiring Democracy offers a clear roadmap to help public and corporate leaders navigate through the pitfalls and promises that AI brings to democracy.”
—Marietje Schaake, former Member of the European Parliament; author of The Tech Coup

Bruce Schneier is an internationally renowned security technologist and the New York Times bestselling author of 14 books, including A Hacker s Mind. He is Lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, a board member of EFF, and Chief of Security Architecture at Inrupt, Inc. Nathan E. Sanders is a data scientist focused on making policymaking more participatory. His research spans machine learning, astrophysics, public health, environmental justice, and more. He has served in fellowships at the Massachusetts legislature and the Berkman-Klein Center at Harvard University.