Big Tech’s Influence on AI Standards
A recent report by Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) raises serious concerns regarding the influence of big tech companies over the development of artificial intelligence (AI) standards in the European Union. The report reveals that these corporations play a disproportionately significant role in shaping the standards that govern AI technology, potentially undermining the regulatory framework intended to protect fundamental rights.
Disproportionate Representation
The report indicates that over half (55%) of the 143 members involved in the joint technical committee on AI (JTC21)—established by European standardisation bodies CEN and CENELEC—are corporate representatives. This includes 54 members from companies and 24 from consultancies. Alarmingly, nearly 25% of these corporate representatives hail from U.S. companies, including major players like Microsoft, IBM, Amazon, and Google.
In stark contrast, civil society organizations are only represented by 9% of JTC21 members, raising significant concerns about the inclusivity of the standard-setting process.
The AI Act’s Business-Friendly Approach
The AI Act, heralded as the world’s first attempt to regulate AI using a risk-based approach, was approved in August 2023 and is set to gradually come into effect. However, the report argues that the AI Act adopts a business-friendly orientation, leaving complex and fundamental rights issues to standard-setting organizations that may prioritize corporate interests over public welfare.
Concerns from Experts
Bram Vranken, a researcher and campaigner at CEO, stated, “The European Commission’s decision to delegate public policymaking on AI to a private body is deeply problematic. For the first time, standard setting is being used to implement requirements related to fundamental rights, fairness, trustworthiness and bias.”
National Standard-Setting Bodies
The report also examines national standard-setting bodies in countries like France, the UK, and the Netherlands. It found that corporate interests dominate these organizations, with corporate representation at 56% in France, 50% in the UK, and 58% in the Netherlands. This trend further emphasizes the challenge of enforcing standards that address bias and discrimination in AI systems.
The European Commission’s Response
In response to the concerns raised by CEO, the European Commission asserted that standards set by CEN-CENELEC will undergo thorough assessments before being officially recognized. They stated that these standards must adequately reflect the objectives of the AI Act and the requirements for high-risk AI systems.
Urgency for Faster Standards Implementation
As the clock ticks on the standardization process, officials warn that urgency is paramount. In an interview, a senior official from the Dutch privacy watchdog highlighted the need for faster implementation of AI standards, indicating that “standardization processes normally take many years,” and stressing the importance of stepping up the pace to ensure timely regulations.
Conclusion
The findings of the report illuminate a critical intersection of technology, policy, and society. As big tech companies continue to shape the landscape of AI standards, it becomes increasingly vital to ensure that diverse voices are included in these discussions to safeguard fundamental rights and promote equitable technological advancements.
