Citizenship in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Citizenship emerges from the arduous battles waged by working people against various manifestations of oppression, including feudalism, capitalism, colonialism and imperialism. Throughout history, anti-colonial and anti-imperialist movements have played crucial roles in advancing democracy and expanding citizenship rights, even within colonial nations in Europe. Today, the landscape of citizenship is evolving rapidly alongside the technological revolution and the widespread digitalisation of society. These developments are integral to the democratisation of both societies and states, granting citizens unprecedented access to information and empowering them to hold those in power accountable. However, this era also witnesses the ascent of the surveillance state and governments increasingly resembling techno-feudal entities accelerated by the platform companies. In this age, technology, including AI, poses a grave threat to the very foundations of democratisation and the deepening of citizenship rights. The pervasiveness of surveillance and the consolidation of power through technological means undermine the principles of accountability and freedom that are essential for a truly participatory democratic society and digital citizenship.