What is ISO 21348:2016?

ISO 21348:2016 is a technical standard that outlines the requirements for determining the functionality and performance of artificial intelligence (AI) systems. This standard provides guidelines and methodologies for assessing the reliability, safety, and ethical aspects of AI.

1. Scope of ISO 21348:2016

The scope of ISO 21348:2016 covers all types of AI systems, regardless of their specific application or domain. It applies to both standalone AI systems as well as systems that include AI components or features. The standard aims to ensure that AI systems are developed, implemented, and used in a responsible and reliable manner.

The standard also highlights the importance of considering societal, environmental, legal, and ethical factors during the development and use of AI systems. It encourages organizations to prioritize transparency, accountability, and fairness in their implementation of AI.

2. Evaluating AI Systems

ISO 21348:2016 provides a framework for evaluating the functional capabilities and performance of AI systems. It suggests using various techniques such as testing, inspection, and analysis to assess the behavior and characteristics of these systems.

The standard emphasizes the need to identify potential risks associated with AI systems and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies. It also promotes the use of data quality management techniques to ensure accurate and reliable results from AI systems.

3. Ensuring Safety and Ethical Considerations

ISO 21348:2016 addresses the safety and ethical concerns related to AI systems. It emphasizes the need for risk assessment and risk management throughout the lifecycle of an AI system. This includes identifying and addressing potential security vulnerabilities, privacy issues, and biases that may arise from the use of AI.

The standard encourages organizations to consider the potential impact of AI on individuals, society, and the environment. It stresses the importance of explainability and interpretability of AI system outputs to promote transparency and accountability.

ISO 21348:2016 is a comprehensive standard that helps organizations ensure that AI systems are developed and used safely, ethically, and effectively. It provides guidelines for assessing the reliability and performance of AI systems, while considering the societal and ethical implications. By adhering to this standard, organizations can build trust in AI and promote its responsible deployment.