Standards Australia sets priorities for Artificial Intelligence

• Standards Australia has engaged stakeholders from a range of industries to tackle key concerns and shape ‘responsible AI’ deployment through the development of standards.
• The report builds on CSIRO’s Data61, including its AI Roadmap, which outlines the economic potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Australia.
• Australia, along with United States, UK, China, Germany and others have all identified standards for AI, and policy frameworks, as important national priorities.

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Standards Australia has today released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. The comprehensive report, commissioned by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources, provides recommendations to help Australia effectively support Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its future across the globe.

Since 2017, AU$86 billion in focused AI programs and activities has been announced by 14 of the world’s most advanced economies [1]. The size of the investment demonstrates the importance Governments around the world are placing on this technology – highlighting the need for international standards.

“This roadmap aims to give the Australian market a better chance of capitalising on the growing global AI sector,” said Chief Executive Officer of Standards Australia, Adrian O’Connell. “The clear and actionable recommendations in the report will support Australia to reach its full potential in the adoption and use of this technology.”

The report, following months of public consultations and written submissions, also addresses the concerns Australians have around privacy and management of their data.

“AI is an exciting technology with a growing future in the Australian and global market. Through standards we believe we can help build confidence and safe-guard against the irresponsible use of this technology and its data,” continued Mr. O’Connell.

Lee Hickin, Microsoft Australia Chief Technology Officer and leader of the Microsoft

Responsible AI Program congratulated Standards Australia for its leadership on promulgating standards that will encourage the development of responsible AI solutions.

“Standards Australia has taken a deliberately global approach with its AI Standards Roadmap, which is critically important for Australian enterprises developing solutions to use themselves or within their supply chains, or alternatively crafting products and services to market internationally.”

“The harmonisation work that it is proposing with regard to privacy standards will also help companies operating globally, and the work that Standards Australia is proposing for a Management System Standard for AI will further encourage the development and deployment of responsible AI,” added Hickin.

“The opportunity for Australia’s increased participation in the international conversation around AI is clearly outlined in the report. Standards Australia looks forward to further engagement with government, industry and Australian businesses as we explore the many opportunities standards can provide in this space,” concluded Mr. O’Connell.

[1] Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard

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