Introduction
JTC 1 sees consumer engagement as a priority area for standards development to ensure that standards address real-life needs that could affect anyone in any walk of life. Consumer engagement in JTC 1 is critical and we are striving to broaden the awareness of activity within standards development. We have recently published an initial paper on Consumer Engagement, highlighting in various nations, how consumers can take part in the standards development process – see Consumer engagement paper on this page.
For those nations not currently listed in the paper, please contact your national standards body for more information. All standards organizations can be found at this link: https://www.iso.org/about/members
JTC 1’s paper on Consumer Engagement, and who to contact.
Background
ISO and IEC have recognized the importance of consumer engagement by jointly issuing the ISO/IEC Statement on Consumer Participation in Standardization Work [1]. This policy statement calls upon the members of the two organizations to encourage and support consumer participation in the development of standards for goods and services used by consumers or that otherwise affect their interests. It provides guidance on how to involve consumers at every stage of standards development work. It notes that the degree of consumer participation should reflect the relative importance to consumer interests of a particular standards project.
By involving consumer groups and their representatives in open discussions, and including consumer interests in JTC 1’s standards activities we are provided with a critical point of view to the impact of technology on individuals. Standards that are based on a consensus of all affected parties – including end-user consumers – and that address basic consumer needs will be more market-relevant. This will enhance consumer confidence in the resulting products and enable them to be more easily disseminated into the marketplace. It also ensures the opportunity to uphold a practice of safeguarding the public and buyers of goods, services, and digital content, against unfair and unsafe practices in the marketplace.
[1] https://www.iso.org/files/live/sites/isoorg/files/archive/pdf/en/copolcoparticipation_2001.pdf
Implementation
While ISO/IEC JTC 1 actively develops the Information Technology (IT) related standards, in areas that affect consumers like cybersecurity, user interfaces, artificial intelligence and biometrics, it is crucial to recognize the importance of consumer involvement in this process. Encouraging active participation from consumer representatives in the development of these standards is essential.
JTC 1 emphasizes engagement with national consumer groups through its registered national standards organizations. Many of these organizations have ongoing projects aimed at fostering collaboration with local consumer groups, and many have been doing so for years. This outreach and engagement are vital for JTC 1 to ensure that the standards reflect a realistic view of the needs and concerns experienced by consumers.
Build better standards through effective consumer stakeholder engagement
The critical role of consumer voices in shaping standards for emerging technologies