AI, Responsibility, and the Society of Tomorrow
9. apríl 2026
The President calls for dialogue and policy on AI.
In an article on the news website Vísir, the President calls for dialogue and policy on artificial intelligence. She considers it essential that the public be aware of the potential misuse of modern technology to interfere with democratic processes and shape public opinion. Below is an English translation of the article:
“In recent years, technological advances have transformed our daily lives in far‑reaching ways. Society is undergoing a profound shift, driven by developments whose ultimate consequences remain uncertain. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence will continue reshaping key areas of society, including education, employment and democratic debate.
It is particularly striking that some of those behind these advances are themselves urging caution. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, has warned that the effects of artificial intelligence on the labour market may be felt sooner and more forcefully than many anticipate. Other leading figures, including Geoffrey Hinton, often described as the “godfather” of AI, have cautioned that increasingly powerful systems are being created without us fully understanding how they function. Similar concerns have been raised by Tristan Harris, co‑founder of the Centre for Humane Technology, who argues that AI is not only changing how people work, but also how they think, behave, and interact as a society.
These warnings should prompt careful reflection. Iceland has previously navigated periods of rapid technological change, often with positive outcomes. However, experience suggests that when new technologies are developed without adequate accountability or public discussion, the results can differ sharply from original intentions. The rise of social media is an example. While such platforms were expected to strengthen social ties and encourage democratic participation, they have also been linked to declining mental wellbeing – particularly among children and young people–, deteriorating social trust and an increasingly adversarial public discourse.
In today’s climate, sustaining measured discussion on complex issues is becoming increasingly difficult. Much of the public debate now unfolds online, where financial incentives often favour provocation over thoughtful reflection. As a result, exchanges can become polarised and personal, eroding trust between people and placing a strain on the foundations of democracy.
Artificial intelligence risks intensifying these trends. AI tools can generate highly convincing but misleading content within seconds, disseminate unverified information at scale, and shape our opinions and emotional responses in subtle ways that often go unnoticed. At the same time, AI carries the promise of remarkable possibility, sparking innovation, elevating public services, and widening the horizons of human knowledge.
In this context, we must agree on a clear framework for the responsible, ethical, and constructive use of artificial intelligence. Such a framework should encompass the education system; preparing future generations for a world in which AI is embedded in everyday life. It should also address intellectual property rights and the use of creative work, protections for privacy and human rights, and, crucially, the safeguarding of democratic processes.
The issue is particularly pressing considering the upcoming local elections in May and the national vote in August on whether Iceland should continue accession talks with the European Union. These are critical political moments that require informed, balanced, and honest debate. As voters, we must be aware of the potential misuse of modern technology to interfere with democratic processes and shape public opinion, and as a society we must put in place an effective framework to prevent such interference.
Iceland is well placed to be at the forefront of the responsible use of artificial intelligence. With strong foundations in education, high levels of social trust and established democratic traditions, we can shape a future in which technological progress supports wellbeing, creativity, and a healthy society.
We share a common responsibility; to build a society where technology serves humanity, not the reverse. This is a major and complex challenge that calls for sustained dialogue, solidarity, and a clear long‑term vision. We need a concerted effort by the government, the education system, the arts, the business sector and each and every one of us.”
"Sustaining measured discussion on complex issues is becoming increasingly difficult."
Link to the article in Icelandic on visir.is.
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