Tavares, JoséUder, Sophie-Luisa Katja2025-08-052025-01-152025-01-15http://hdl.handle.net/10362/186052Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping the public and private sectors alike. This thesis examines AI's profound impact on democratic principles, focusing on Authoritarian States and Big Tech corporations as key actors. Through surveillance, disinformation, and data exploitation, these entities challenge civil liberties, transparency, accountability, participation, and electoral integrity in distinct yet interconnected ways. A comparative analysis highlights how Authoritarian States weaponize AI for political control, while Big Tech corporations prioritize profit, often compromising democratic accountability. The findings stress the urgent need for robust AI governance to align technological advancements with democratic resilience and human development.engArtificial IntelligenceDemocracyAuthoritarian statesBig Tech corporationsPublic GovernanceDemocratic processesmaster thesis203962559