UCL Establishes Lab to Shape Future AI Standards

In an era where algorithms are rapidly becoming integral to both business and society, there is a growing imperative to safeguard the public interest. To address this pressing concern, a gathering of researchers, policymakers, and industry experts came together to collectively identify the key areas of focus necessary to advance AI standards. The primary objective: ensuring that proposed standards are not just theoretical but practical and empirically grounded.

This pivotal discussion unfolded in the context of establishing a groundbreaking institution at the University College London (UCL) known as the "Algorithms Standards and Technology Lab." This innovative lab was conceived with a clear mission in mind: to provide thought-leadership in AI standards through practical experimentation.

During a series of engaging panel discussions involving key stakeholders, three overarching themes emerged as paramount to shaping the future of AI standards:

• Building Public Trust: As algorithms play an increasingly influential role in our lives, building and maintaining public trust is paramount. The lab's initiatives under this theme aim to explore strategies to foster trust in AI technologies.
• Accountability and Operationalisation: Effective governance of algorithms necessitates clear accountability and operational frameworks. The lab will work to develop practical solutions to ensure accountability in AI deployment.
• Experimentation: To create robust AI standards, experimentation is vital. The lab will focus on empirical research and experimentation to inform the development of practical AI standards.

The urgency to address these themes stems from the recognition that algorithms, while powerful tools, need to be governed effectively. Beyond existing regulations like GDPR, new standards and regulations are being proposed at both national and international levels, such as those by the European Commission and the UK Committee on Standards in Public Life.

The Algorithms Standards and Technology Lab at UCL is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI governance. To delve deeper into the lab's activities and explore the comprehensive research and initiatives undertaken to advance AI standards, we invite you to access the full whitepaper ‘Towards AI Standards’ available here. Join the conversation and contribute to the development of AI standards that prioritise the public interest and the responsible use of AI technology.