The Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Emil Boc, took the floor on Thursday at the Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions, where he spoke about the fact that democracy is threatened by bots and algorithms and the importance of democracy remaining a conversation between people, not between bots.
"Our democracy is threatened by bots and algorithms. Every day, bots and algorithms flood the digital space and simulate real people, amplify extreme voices, manipulate feelings, and, in my view, we must take the first steps. Firstly, full transparency of all political content online; if it is paid, let us know, if it is targeted, let us know, if it is promoted by algorithms, let us know. Secondly, a complete ban on political bots, without fake accounts pretending to be voters. If we influence elections with bots, we disrupt democracy. If lies spread more than the truth, democracy is weakened. When bots have a stronger voice than citizens, legitimacy collapses. When algorithms decide what people see, freedom becomes fragile", said Emil Boc.
He launched an appeal for a future of people, not of bots.
"Let's choose a future of people, a future in which the neighbor is the neighbor, not a programming script. Where the debate is fair, where elections are decided by citizens, not by bot farms. Let's consecrate the right to know, when you speak, to always know who or what is answering you. Let's protect the voice of the people, let's protect democracy, which is a conversation between people, not between bots! People above bots and algorithms!", emphasized Emil Boc.
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