{
  "id": 10140420,
  "title": "Irish UN director on AI 'risk, opportunity' for elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/irish-un-director-on-ai-risk-opportunity-for-elections",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-09-27T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "RTE News",
    "slug": "rte-news",
    "url": "https://www.rte.ie/news/2026/0927/1593058-irish-un-ai-elections/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Michèle Griffin, an Irish woman currently directing the United Nations' electoral assistance department, has emphasized that artificial intelligence (AI) brings both risks and opportunities to elections globally. Griffin, who has worked at the UN for three decades, started her career as an intern and has since worked with various secretaries-general, helping them think about the bigger picture.\n\nCurrently, Griffin assists up to 50 countries with their elections simultaneously, addressing issues ranging from logistical support to ensuring information integrity and preserving public trust. The department receives numerous requests to help manage the impact of technology, including the risks and opportunities presented by AI. Griffin highlighted that AI governance is a significant topic being discussed among election management bodies worldwide.\n\nGriffin expressed concerns about the potential for AI to undermine trust and credibility in elections, as well as the exposure of personal data. She also acknowledged that malicious actors are already utilizing AI to undermine elections in various parts of the world.\n\nGriffin emphasized that discussions surrounding global governance of AI connect to broader conversations about AI governance and the need to establish guardrails and safeguards. She reiterated that the principles of a credible election remain unchanged. During a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Griffin pointed to a sign on her office window, stating, \"the future.\" She believes that as problems increasingly transcend national borders, there is a growing need for a global platform where countries, along with various civil societies, can collaborate to find solutions. Griffin remains a strong believer in the United Nations and has dedicated her career to making that vision a reality.",
  "summary": "An Irish woman leading the UN electoral assistance department has said AI poses a range of risks and opportunities for elections worldwide and that it connects to the wider conversation around AI governance.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": "The UN electoral assistance director's emphasis on AI's dual impact on elections highlights the need for global governance and safeguards to mitigate risks while harnessing opportunities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}