Artificial Intelligence NIST Releases: “U.S. Leadership in AI: A Plan For Federal Engagement in Developing Technical Standards and Related Tools” (Draft)

From the National Institute of Standards and Technology:

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is seeking public comment on a draft plan for federal government engagement in advancing artificial intelligence (AI) standards for U.S. economic and national security needs. The document recommends four actions: bolster AI standards-related knowledge, leadership and coordination among federal agencies; promote focused research on the “trustworthiness” of AI; support and expand public-private partnerships; and engage with international parties.

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The draft describes four levels of possible engagement by the federal government: monitoring, participating in, influencing or leading standards efforts. It also states that the government should prioritize efforts that are inclusive and accessible, open and transparent, consensus-based, globally relevant and nondiscriminatory, and that use multiple approaches.

The draft plan outlines the current state of AI standardization, listing categories in which technical standards are needed, including data, metrics, safety and trustworthiness. A chart notes that related IT standards are available today in several of the categories, and while there are active efforts in each, they all need additional standards.

The document also highlights the standards-related tools that are needed, including standardized formats for data sets, test beds, and tools for accountability and auditing.

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Comments may be submitted to ai_standards@nist.gov through July 19, 2019. In accordance with the February Executive Order, a final plan is due to the White House on August 10, 2019.

Direct to Full Text Draft
36 pages; PDF.

Direct to Summary and Other Info

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