The influence of China in AI governance through standardisation

Artificial intelligence systems (AIS) are subject to technical standardisation. Technical standards are primarily developed within standard developing organisations (SDOs) traditionally operating under consensus-based, community- and largely industry-driven processes. Governments are increasingly interested in technical standards’ development, accentuating the political dimension of standardisation. This article explores the contribution of technical standardisation to the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and asks whose views are being implemented in the development of non-state rules for AI. The article, based on empirical research, focuses on the changing governance structure of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). Overall, the discussion offers an overview of the existing geopolitics in AI-related standardisation and contributes to the scholarship on AI and digital governance by exploring the role of technical standardisation as a tool in AI governance. The research finds an increasing Chinese representation in international standardisation and argues that the political use of standardisation can lead to China establishing its own vision of digital governance. Consequently, the article suggest that China is using participation in recognised SDOs to legitimate its vision for digital governance calling for a re-examination of standardisation considering its implications for democracy and the protection of human rights.