In a significant move aimed at bolstering technological infrastructure and security, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has announced the rollout of 12 new standards across diverse sectors. These standards encompass artificial intelligence (AI), secure financial cryptographic devices, audit data systems, lifts, campus facilities, rotating electrical machines, and optical fibre testing.

The newly notified standards for artificial intelligence seek to establish a baseline criteria for "trustworthy AI". These standards will allow government agencies and stakeholders to evaluate AI systems, assess claims made about their attributes, and ensure they meet the necessary benchmarks. This move comes at a crucial time, with organizations across industries actively investing in AI to streamline operations and boost productivity. However, the rapid adoption of AI tools has also led to the emergence of "shadow AI," where AI tools are used within organizations without formal oversight, raising concerns about security and compliance. The new AI standards are expected to provide a framework for managing AI risks and ensuring responsible AI implementation.

To manage the risks of shadow AI, experts recommend defining risk appetite, developing an AI governance framework, emphasizing communication between teams, staff training on AI risks, implementing AI guardrails, and monitoring and logging AI use.

In the financial sector, the BIS has introduced standards for secure financial cryptographic devices, and these standards are aimed at enhancing the security of payment systems and protecting sensitive financial data. Furthermore, the standards for audit data systems will promote transparency and efficiency in auditing processes. This aligns with the government's broader efforts to modernize the payments landscape, improve financial inclusion, and align national systems with international standards.

The new standards also extend to industrial systems, including lifts and rotating electrical machines. Moreover, standards for campus facilities and optical fibre testing are included in the rollout. These standards are expected to improve the quality and safety of industrial operations and infrastructure projects. Of particular note is the fact that AI-related data, including algorithms, source code, training model data, and data mining and analysis data, now qualifies as "Important Data". This is because it is related to national security, which means that stricter regulations and restrictions may be placed on industrial AI.

The implementation of these standards is expected to have far-reaching implications across various sectors, promoting innovation, enhancing security, and ensuring quality and safety. By establishing clear guidelines and benchmarks, the government aims to create a robust and reliable technological ecosystem that fosters growth and protects the interests of stakeholders.