Economic power and political power travel together. If a handful of companies own the AI that does most of the work, they could gain influence over governments, media and daily life on a scale no business has had before. And if states come to depend on AI companies for revenue rather than on their citizens’ taxes, ordinary people could lose some of the leverage that has kept governments accountable.
Why it matters
Some researchers compare this risk to the “resource curse”, where countries rich in oil or minerals can become less democratic because rulers no longer need the consent of taxpayers. AI could create a new version of that problem if most wealth comes from machines rather than people.
Ideas to explore
- Competition policy. Preventing a few firms from dominating the AI market.
- Broad ownership. Spreading ownership of AI widely, for example through citizens’ wealth funds or public stakes.
- Democratic oversight. Giving citizens and parliaments a say in how the most powerful AI systems are built and used.
- Transparency. Requiring openness about how AI companies use their influence, including lobbying and political spending.
- Citizens’ assemblies and deliberation. New ways for people to shape decisions directly, of the kind this project hopes to practise.
Open questions
- How much concentration is a risk, and how much is just the normal reward for innovation?
- Is the bigger danger powerful companies, or governments using AI to control citizens?
- How do we keep democracy meaningful if fewer people’s livelihoods depend on the state’s decisions about work?
This pillar is just beginning. Share your thoughts in the comments.
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