IEEE launches standards project to ensure transparency in autonomous systems

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The IEEE and the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) have announced the initiation of IEEE P7001, a new standards project whose goal is to ensure transparency in the design and development of autonomous systems.

IEEE P7001 aims to build trust and ensure public safety, while also providing accountability and traceability within autonomous systems. The standards project will also articulate levels of transparency in a range that defines minimum levels up to the highest achievable standards of acceptance.

The work being done on IEEE P7001 will establish a standard that will make sure the operation of autonomous systems is transparent to a wide range of stakeholders, said Konstantinos Karachalios, managing director for IEEE-SA.

“Transparency is key to the successful implementation of autonomous systems, and IEEE P7001 will help build public confidence, institute traceability into systems, and enable designers to self-assess and improve transparency early in the development process,” Karachalios said.

The initiation of IEEE P7001 follows in line with the recent release of the IEEE publication Ethically Aligned Design: A Vision for Prioritizing Human Wellbeing with Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, which encourages technologists to prioritize ethical considerations in the creation of autonomous and intelligent technologies.

Both the document and IEEE P7001 are inspired by the work being done in The IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems.

“As we continue to see rapid technological advancements in the design and development of autonomous systems, it has become clear that transparency is a key concern for safety, ethical and even legal considerations,” said Alan Winfield, chair, IEEE P7001. “IEEE is leading standards development that prioritizes human wellbeing in the advancement of autonomous and intelligent technologies, and the launch of IEEE P7001 is a good example of the organization’s commitment in this area.”

To learn more about the project, or to join the Working Group please visit the IEEE P7001 landing page.

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