Even though Artificial Intelligence (AI) has existed since the 1950s, the rapid developments in the past years have turned it into one of the most promising sectors within ICT. There has been an enormous growth in investments and use of AI systems in many sectors such as automobile, health and aeronautics, creating new challenges for both industry and society. To ensure the development of trustworthy AI systems that respect fundamental values and human rights recognized in Europe, standardization is needed.
CEN-CENELEC JTC 21 ‘Artificial Intelligence’
CEN and CENELEC have established the new CEN-CENELEC Joint Technical Committee 21 ‘Artificial Intelligence’, based on the recommendations presented in the CEN-CENELEC response to the EC White Paper on AI, the CEN-CENELEC Focus Group Road Map on Artificial Intelligence, and the German Standardization Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence. The Joint Technical Committee, whose Secretariat is held by DS, the Danish Standardization Body, is responsible for the development and adoption of standards for AI and related data, as well as provide guidance to other Technical Committees concerned with AI.
In particular, CEN-CLC/JTC 21 identifies and adopts international standards already available or under development from other organizations like ISO/IEC JTC 1 and its subcommittees, such as SC 42 Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, CEN-CLC/JTC 21 focuses on producing standardization deliverables that address European market and societal needs, as well as underpinning EU legislation, policies, principles, and values.
CEN and CENELEC are expecting a standardization request on Artificial Intelligence. For this purpose, a webinar was held on drafting harmonized standards specifically in support of the upcoming AI Act. You can access a recording and slides of the presentation, which go into detail on the basics of what harmonized standards are, how they are developed and how it all links with the legislative framework.
