The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently released its Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0). The document aims to provide a set of guiding principles for the design, development, deployment and use of AI systems.
“This voluntary framework will help develop and deploy AI technologies in ways that enable the United States, other nations and organizations to enhance AI trustworthiness while managing risks based on our democratic values,” said Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves. “It should accelerate AI innovation and growth while advancing — rather than restricting or damaging — civil rights, civil liberties and equity for all.”
The report is split into two parts: the first part demonstrates how organizations can start to strategically think about risks related to AI in addition to outlining the characteristics of trustworthy AI systems. The second part, describes four specific functions — govern, map, measure and manage — to help organizations address the risks of AI systems in their work. Along with the framework report, the agency also released a AI RMF Playbook, which suggests ways to navigate and use the framework.
The document was developed using stakeholder feedback and commentary from over 240 different organizations. In August 2021, NIST announced they were developing the AI RMF report and asked for public commentary to help inform, refine, and guide the development of the document. You can view the Computing Community Consortium’s Response here.
A year later, in August 2022, the CCC and CRA-I teamed up to submit a second response addressing NIST’s call for suggestions and commentary on a draft of the AI RMF. You can see our response here.
The report is meant to be a collaborative, adaptive document that evolves with changes in society and technology. Comments from the community are welcomed at anytime. An updated version of the playbook will be released in spring 2023. Comments received by the end of February 2023 will be included in the updated version.
In addition, NIST plans to launch a Trustworthy and Responsible AI Resource Center to help organizations put the AI RMF 1.0 into practice. The agency encourages organizations to develop and share profiles of how they would put it to use in their specific contexts. Submissions may be sent to AIFramework@nist.gov.
NIST is committed to continuing its work with companies, civil society, government agencies, universities and others to develop additional guidance. The agency today issued a roadmap for that work.
You can read more about the report and ongoing related activities in NIST’s announcement.
