U.S. leadership in AI: a plan for federal engagement in developing technical standards and related tools

Abstract

NIST has released a plan for prioritizing federal agency engagement in the development of standards for artificial intelligence (AI). The plan recommends the federal government “commit to deeper, consistent, long-term engagement in AI standards development activities to help the United States to speed the pace of reliable, robust, and trustworthy AI technology development.” It calls for federal agencies to bolster AI standards-related knowledge, leadership and coordination among agencies that develop or use AI; promote focused research on the trustworthiness of AI systems; support and expand public-private partnerships; and engage with international parties. A February 2019 Executive Order directed NIST to develop a plan that would, among other objectives, “ensure that technical standards minimize vulnerability to attacks from malicious actors and reflect Federal priorities for innovation, public trust, and public confidence in systems that use AI technologies; and develop international standards to promote and protect those priorities.” NIST developed the plan with extensive public and private sector involvement, including a May 30, 2019, workshop and multiple opportunities for public comment.

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