EPTA report 2018 online

This new report provides an comparative overview on the state of affairs of artificial intelligence, blockchains, and quantum computing in the EPTA member countries. In the introduction it reads:

"The debate on the impact of new technologies on democratic processes and institutions is relevant in the context of the so-called ‘post-truth society’, where objective facts seem to be less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief. This is not only a challenge for scientists, experts and the media, but also for policy-makers and society as a whole. Science and technology are crucial to democracy and there is a clear need to create the conditions for a vigorous dialogue between scientists, politicians and the public. Such a dialogue, based on mutual respect and trust, could help all sides understand why and how scientific evidence plays its proper role as an essential part of policy-making.
What are the main objectives of democracy? The answers to this question can vary. Some views of democracy put their main emphasis on a high degree of representativeness, others promote the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, and still others strive for inclusive and comprehensive involvement of the citizens.
New technologies have the potential to substantially change the conditions of political communication and democratic practice."