Paper short abstract:

This contribution examines the role that power plays in framing priorities in governance, ethics and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In particular, it explores, firstly, the distribution of power in setting priorities in AI policy and secondly, its influence on the priorities chosen.

Paper long abstract:

This contribution examines the role that power plays in framing priorities in governance, ethics and regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In particular, it explores, firstly, the distribution of power in setting priorities in AI policy and secondly, its influence on the priorities chosen. First, who has the power to define the priorities for AI governance, ethics and regulation? One of major concerns in the public discussions about AI has been the high concentration of power in a small number of big tech companies. To counter-balance this concentration of power, suggestions has been made that the state plays a number of important roles in governing technologies including active involvement of diverse stakeholders in defining priorities: experts, researchers, civil society especially marginalized and disadvantaged groups (Ulnicane et al 2021). Second, involvement of diverse stakeholders matters for the type of priorities chosen and implemented as diverse stakeholders can change the balance of power when deciding on some of the key priorities for AI, such as – should AI be developed un used primarily to ensure economic benefits or to address societal challenges as well? Should governance focus on voluntary ethics guidelines or binding regulation? Should international competition or rather cooperation prevail? This contribution draws on analysis of AI policy documents launched by national governments, international organizations, think tanks and consultancies.

Ulnicane, I., W. Knight, T. Leach, B. C. Stahl and W.-G. Wanjiku (2021) Framing governance for a contested emerging technology: insights from AI policy, Policy and Society 40(2): 158-177 https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2020.1855800