Considering How AI Destroys Democratic Institutions

About this episode

The episode discusses how AI systems may undermine democratic institutions as argued by law professors Woodrow Hartzog and Jessica Silbey.

Across the world, governments and other institutions are racing to apply artificial intelligence in countless ways. In a draft paper forthcoming in the UC Law Journal titled "How AI Destroys Institutions," Boston University law professors Woodrow Hartzog and Jessica Silbey argue that the design of AI systems—from large language models to predictive and automated decision tools—is fundamentally incompatible with the civic institutions that hold democratic society together, including the rule of law, universities, a free press, and civic life itself. This isn't necessarily because AI is being misused or falling into the wrong hands, they say—in most instances AI is working exactly as intended and, in doing so, eroding the expertise, decision-making structures, and human connection that give institutions their legitimacy.

People in this episode

Guests: Woodrow Hartzog, Jessica Silbey

Topics covered

• artificial intelligence
• democracy
• institutional integrity
• law
• civic life

Keywords

• AI
• democratic institutions
• law
• civic engagement
• decision-making

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston University, UC Law Journal

More episodes of The Tech Policy Press Podcast

• Contemplating 'Muskism' and the Age of Trillionaires · June 7, 2026 · 49 min
• Why the AI Policy Debate Should Focus More on the Harness and Protocol Layers · June 3, 2026 · 47 min
• Why the EU's Data Center Boom Is a Black Box · May 31, 2026 · 35 min
• Taking the Temperature of Tech Policy Debates in Brussels at CPDP · May 31, 2026 · 43 min
• The Fight for Civil Rights in the Age of AI · May 24, 2026 · 47 min
• Unpacking the Goals of Common Sense Media's Youth AI Safety Institute · May 21, 2026 · 29 min