From Digital Rights to AI Governance: Key Takeaways from the BSI Standards Conference

This blog was originally posted on 28th May, 2025. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.

AUTHORED BY CHELSEA CUNNINGHAM, SENIOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST, COMPLIANCE & RISKS

Opening Reflections on AI and Standards

The recent BSI Standards Conference brought together global experts to explore how standards can help ensure artificial intelligence delivers benefits safely, fairly, and inclusively. Dr Eunsook Moon, ISO COPOLCO Chair, in the opening session framed standards as essential “red lights” in the AI era, guiding signals in an increasingly complex digital environment. The current global framework for AI standards lacks harmonization, leaving consumers vulnerable in a fast-moving technological landscape. As AI systems become more powerful yet invisible, consumer rights are being sidelined. The key message emerging is that the narrative needs to shift to the idea that “Consumer rights are digital rights,” which in turn, need to be embedded in the design and governance of AI technologies at all elements of the product lifecycle.

Standards as Tools for Risk Mitigation

Later in the day, discussions explored the real-world implications of standards for diverse consumer markets. Organizational practices, intentional or otherwise, shape how consumers interact with AI, and unintentional harm from biased algorithms, poor data handling, or weak oversight can have lasting impacts. Standards were described as essential tools to mitigate these risks. One speaker pointed out that the involvement of consumer voices was highlighted as critical to identifying unintended or passive misuse and ensuring accountability across sectors.

Questioning the Assumption of Progress

The notion that digital innovation inherently leads to progress was a hot topic throughout the day and led to conversations around  “digital regression” and the potential for digital empowerment to actually erode autonomy. Concerns were voiced over regulatory disparities between regions that tend to embrace deregulation and those with stricter oversight. The global imbalance in power, influence, and data infrastructure was seen as a major obstacle to ensuring equitable AI development. There was also discussion around the rise of scams, the climate impact of data centers, and the growing risk of low-quality generative AI.

The Need for Global Cooperation

A global perspective session examined the need for inclusive international cooperation, particularly to prevent smaller economies from being excluded from shaping ethical AI norms. Broader questions were also asked like how do we define “best practice” across jurisdictions with vastly different legal and cultural approaches? How can regulation be both effective and innovation-friendly? The list is endless.

Conclusion: Embedding Fairness in AI Development

In conclusion, AI’s benefits cannot be equitably shared unless its development is shaped by inclusive, transparent, and accessible standards. Without these foundations, fairness and safety in AI will remain aspirational ideals, rather than tangible realities for consumers worldwide.

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