Festival of Politics 2025: Vote Chatbot at the Ballot

Will AI support or supplant human participation in politics?

As AI tools become embedded in political life, from campaign chatbots to false biographies and AI-generated avatars, how do we ensure that AI doesn’t become a disruptive force in politics, and that democracy remains human at its core?

Exactly who will maintain a balance between automation and accountability, and how do we address the risks of misinformation and develop the ethical frameworks needed to protect trust and integrity in politics? 

Watch our panel explore these questions and more at the Festival of Politics 2025.

Chaired by Maggie Chapman MSP with guests:

Robert Moran, a seasoned strategist, futurist, and author of Lincoln 2.0.

 Pip Thornton, Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh.

 Cristian Vaccari, Chair in Future Governance at the University of Edinburgh.

and Professor Ewa Luger, Chair of Human–Data Interaction at the University of Edinburgh.