ABSTRACT
Polycentricity is seen as both a problem and a solution when it comes to developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the general population. This chapter tackles tensions around using personal data through AI applications to automate human decisions asking how can polycentric governance enable individuals to maximise the social benefits of applying AI technologies across populations and societies? Polycentricity’s focus on multiple centres of power and authority, this chapter argues, provides theoretical lenses through which to explain new features associated with using AI applications, such as distributed data networks across jurisdictions. The chapter makes two related contributions. First, it clarifies the meaning of AI technologies in the context of polycentric governance, characterising features of ‘polycentricism 3.0’ that are prominent in using personal data in AI applications. Second, it discusses the order underlying the governing of personal data by critically reviewing other forms of regulatory tools such as code, laws, and markets.
