Verity Harding argues that as AI becomes increasingly powerful, it must no longer be shaped solely by technologists or national security interests. Instead, she insists that society at large-citizens, ethicists, policymakers, and affected communities-should take the lead in determining AI’s purpose and ethical boundaries. Drawing lessons from historical milestones like the UN’s Outer Space Treaty, the moral regulation of IVF, and the early internet’s governance (e.g., ICANN), Harding suggests that global, democratically informed frameworks can steer AI toward peaceful, trust-based deployment rather than treating it as a geopolitical weapon.
A central theme is the necessity of public engagement and inclusive governance. Harding calls for participatory policy-making-through public consultations, AI literacy programs, and multi-stakeholder institutions-to embed democratic values into AI systems. She emphasizes that AI should be designed for societal trust, with clear ethical constraints prioritising purpose over profit, transparency, and accountability. Only through collective human agency can we shape AI to serve human interests and avoid dangerous unintended outcomes.