The Guardian · 16 Oct, 07:49 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

AI threatens democracy. But we are not powerless: here’s how to fight back | Carine Fouteau

Carine Fouteau argues that artificial intelligence poses significant risks to democratic institutions through misinformation and manipulation.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

25–40%salary premium for professionals with applied AI skills

11xgrowth in AI job adverts since 2019

66%of leaders won't hire without AI literacy

20days to your first credential

The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Carine Fouteau argues that artificial intelligence poses significant risks to democratic institutions through misinformation and manipulation. However, the article emphasises that society is not helpless. It outlines practical strategies for citizens and professionals to counter these threats, focusing on media literacy, regulatory engagement, and technological awareness. The piece suggests that proactive measures can mitigate AI’s destabilising effects, urging a collective effort to preserve democratic integrity against algorithmic influence.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This development elevates the strategic value of governance, ethics, and communication skills. You must now view AI not merely as a technical tool but as a socio-political force requiring careful management. Professionals in policy, communications, and leadership should prioritise understanding algorithmic bias and digital literacy. To stay relevant, you should integrate ethical considerations into your daily decision-making processes. Consider upskilling in compliance and risk assessment to navigate the complex regulatory landscape emerging around AI. Proactively engaging with these issues positions you as a trusted advisor capable of guiding your organisation through potential reputational and operational hazards. Ignoring this shift leaves you vulnerable to misinformed strategies.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Compliance And Governance, Risk Management Strategies and Public Administration — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

Enrol in these
to benefit.

These programmes position you for exactly this shift — online, self-paced, and finishing with a verifiable certificate you can share the day you pass.