Rewiring Democracy

Al is changing democracy. We still get to decide how. In this highly readable and advisedly optimistic book, *Rewiring Democracy*, security technologist Bruce Schneier and data scientist Nathan Sanders cut through the Al hype and examine the myriad ways that Al is transforming every aspect of democracy—for both good and ill. The authors describe how the sophistication of Al will fulfill demands from lawmakers for more complex legislation, reducing deference to the executive branch and altering the balance of power between lawmakers and administrators. They show how the scale and scope of Al is enhancing civil servants' ability to shape private-sector behavior, automating either the enforcement or neglect of industry regulations. They also explain how both lawyers and judges will leverage the speed of Al, upending how we think about law enforcement, litigation, and dispute resolution. Whether these outcomes improve or degrade democracy depends on us. We can shape the development and use of Al technologies. Powerful players in private industry and public life are already using Al to increase their influence, and Als built by corporations don't deliver the fairness and trust required by democratic governance. But, steered in the right direction, Al's broad capabilities can augment democratic processes and help citizens build consensus, express their voice, and shake up long-standing power structures. Democracy is facing new challenges worldwide, and Al has become 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 Al to make democracy stronger and more participatory.