Andorra: President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, participated in a discussion on the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of parliamentary operations and democracy at the 19th Conference of Speakers of the Parliaments of the Small States of Europe.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Demetriou highlighted that AI can enhance efficiency, especially in the parliaments of small states, which face increased responsibilities with limited resources. She noted that AI can facilitate parliamentary work and improve public access to parliamentary information, thereby reducing barriers to participation.

Demetriou also addressed the risks associated with AI, including concerns about security, personal data protection, information accuracy, misinformation, and the rapid spread of fake news. She stressed the potential for AI to manipulate public opinion, reinforce prejudices, and create deepfakes, undermining trust in democratic institutions and elections.

She emphasized that parliaments must establish clear rules for the ethical use of AI, ensuring transparency, accountability, protection of fundamental rights, and human oversight. Demetriou urged parliaments to focus on safeguarding democracy and the rule of law, with particular attention to preventing electoral manipulation and erosion of public trust.

Demetriou also spoke on the state's responsibility to provide young people with tools to protect them from disinformation and manipulation, by enhancing their knowledge and critical thinking. She stressed the need to protect young people, women, and children from AI-related risks to their safety and mental health.

Concluding the conference, a Joint Declaration was adopted, emphasizing the conference's role as a dialogue forum and the commitment of participating parliaments to strengthen cooperation. The Declaration included amendments proposed by Demetriou, addressing the need to strengthen citizens' resilience to AI risks and protect the dignity and mental health of vulnerable groups.

The press release noted that Demetriou met with the Speaker of the Icelandic Parliament, Thorunn Sveinbjarnardottir, to discuss shared challenges and the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in strengthening women's political participation. She highlighted the need to prioritize gender equality and lauded Iceland's international leadership in promoting women's participation in public life.