NIST Seeks Collaboration for Human-Centric AI Policies Through Newly Formed Safety Institute Consortium

NIST documentation indicates that the consortium will take on a comprehensive, human-centric approach, incorporating definitive policies. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) along with the Department of Commerce is currently seeking to recruit members for the newly formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Institute Consortium.

The establishment of this new AI consortium is underway, accompanied by an official announcement seeking candidates with appropriate qualifications to apply.

“NIST is taking the initial steps in working with various entities such as non-profit organizations, academic institutions, other government bodies, and technology firms to tackle the challenges that arise with AI development and implementation.”

The goal of this joint venture, as outlined in the announcement, is to formulate and put into practice precise policies and standards to guide US policymakers in adopting a human-centric stance on AI safety and regulation.

Participants in the collaboration will be tasked with contributing to an extensive array of related activities, which include crafting measurement and benchmarking tools, advising on policies, engaging in adversarial testing, conducting psychological and environmental analyses.

This initiative is a reaction to a recent executive order issued by President Joseph Biden. As reported by Cointelegraph, this executive order introduced six new AI safety and security guidelines, though it seems they have yet to be codified into law.

While numerous European and Asian countries have started to implement regulations that govern AI development, focusing on privacy, security, and potential unforeseen impacts for users and citizens, the US has been somewhat behind in this field.

President Biden’s executive order signals a step towards defining “specific policies” for AI governance in the US, a movement further advanced by the creation of the Safety Institute Consortium.

Despite these advancements, there still seems to be no clear schedule for when AI governance laws will be enacted in the US, with current regulations pertaining to business and technology being deemed insufficient for the rapidly evolving AI industry by many experts.

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