Algorithmic Citizenship: Fostering Democracy, Inclusion and Explainability in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

This paper addresses the complexity and challenges associated with the contemporary conceptualization of citizenship, particularly influenced by the widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithms in decision-making processes related to rights and citizenship status. The term “Algorithmic Citizenship” considers citizenship shaped by digital interactions mediated by algorithms. The paper proceeds to explore the issue of algorithmic discrimination, highlighting how algorithms, based on distorted or partial data, can amplify historical prejudices and injustices. The concept of “algorithmic historical revisionism” is introduced in relation to how algorithms can influence the collective perception of the past through the distorted presentation of historical information. Transparency and explainability of algorithms are deemed crucial to enable users to understand how decisions are made and what data are used. The challenge of the “black box” of AI algorithms is emphasized, underscoring the need to make decision-making processes transparent, especially in sectors where detailed justification is required.