Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a ubiquitous – and somewhat contentious- concept in modern society, dominating newspaper headlines, think-pieces and conferences across various industries. In everyday life, AI is probably more present and accepted than you might think; AI is commonly used to recommend restaurants, movies, book flights, track ridesharing services, create playlists and a multitude of other tasks.
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes through algorithms built into a dynamic data-driven environment. These processes include learning, reasoning and self-correction. AI is capable of doing precise jobs very quickly, enabling impressive cost and time savings.
AI has consequently been embraced by the private sector as a means by which to gain and use information like financial transactions, purchasing behaviour, logistics and predicting future behaviours.
AI is commonly used to manage, organise and analyse data, and then this data is used for a functional purpose. Data is an integral part of what makes AI work and is largely gained from everyday use of mobile phones, the internet and social media. This information is also commonly referred to as “Big Data”
The value of artificial intelligence
AI has the potential to create significant and powerful change, with the potential to advance medical techniques, improve farming methods, enhance automotive processes, strengthen the economy and so much more.
With this new potential and power has also come concern and uncertainty. AI unlocks new dangers related to data security, privacy and many consumers are fearful of what can happen if AI goes unchecked.
Standardising Artificial Intelligence
The ISO, in partnership with its sister organisation, The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) identified a need to develop standards for AI which can benefit all societies, and this ultimately led to the creation of the subcommittee ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 in 2017.
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 Artificial Intelligence has already published three standards related to big data and has 13 other projects in stages of development. International standards serve as an invaluable tool with which to create harmony across geographical boundaries, enabling seamless and effective widespread integration and facilitation. ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 is currently producing a series of standards and best practices for AI on an international scale, and the subcommittee has been broken down into five working groups, each with their own specific goal, whether; 1. Foundational stages and Governance of AI, 2. Big Data, 3. Trustworthiness, 4. Use cases and applications, and 5. Computational approaches and characteristics.
The ISO and the IEC hope that by establishing and implementing AI-related standards, they are making a real difference to manage and regulate all aspects of this new technology. This extends to the regulatory aspects, business or social requirements, trustworthiness issues, ethics, security, privacy, governance, controllability, transparency and more.
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