The open letter suggests that no advanced AI system should be released until the developer can demonstrate convincingly that it does not pose an undue risk. In this context, it is noteworthy that UNESCO’s 193 Member States adopted the first global normative instrument on the ethics of artificial intelligence in 2021 and that the OECD states that AI systems should be robust, secure and safe throughout their entire life cycle to function appropriately and avoid posing unreasonable risks to safety.

Developers are responsible for demonstrating that their systems meet these criteria. International standards and conformity assessment can play a crucial role in this process. We read the recent open letter from the Future of Life Institute (FLI) with great interest and understand their concerns about the potential risks of AI systems with human-competitive intelligence. As they pointed out, it is essential to address these challenges proactively as these systems can pose profound risks to society and humanity.

The work of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in this domain addresses many of the concerns of society. Our standards can underpin regulatory frameworks and when adopted, can provide appropriate guardrails for responsible, safe and trustworthy AI development.

IEC and ISO have developed together a series of standards for AI that cover the entire AI ecosystem, including terminology, governance, risk management, cybersecurity and ethical considerations. ITU’s standards and AI for Good initiative, led by ITU together with 40 partner UN agencies, are helping all stakeholders to align AI innovation with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The three organizations are collaborating with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the implementation of recent guidance from the UN Human Rights Council on technical standards and human rights. Standards are building blocks for the design, development and deployment of technology, making it imperative that standardization processes incorporate human rights perspectives.

International standards are the result of a global consensus-building process and involve stakeholders from industry, academia, government and civil society.

These standards emphasize the importance of human oversight and accountability and provide a framework for the development and deployment of AI systems that are transparent, explainable, reliable and secure.

Organizations can demonstrate their commitment to responsible AI and build trust with their stakeholders by adopting our standards. Moreover, the standards can help mitigate the risks associated with AI systems and ensure that they are aligned with societal values and expectations.

IEC, ISO and ITU can provide a platform to deploy existing standards and develop new ones that mitigate many of the issues raised. We welcome FLI members and all other stakeholders who are not already working with us to dialogue and to join us in setting these international consensus-based standards and encourage their adoption.

Philippe Metzger
Secretary-General, IEC (international Electrotechnical Commission)

Sergio Mujica
Secretary-General, ISO (International Organization for Standardization)

Seizo Onoe
Director, Telecommunication Standardization Bureau of the ITU (International Telecommunication Union)