IEEE P2840

The standard describes specifications for the factors that shall be considered in the development of a Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) license. Possible elements in the specification include (but are not limited to): (1) What a 'Responsible AI License' means and what its aims are (2) Standardized definitions for referring to components, features and other such elements of AI software, source code and services (3) Standardized reference to geography specific AI/Technology specific legislation and laws (such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation - GDPR) as well as identification of violation detection, penalties, and legal remedies. (4) The specification lists domain specific considerations that may be applied in developing a responsible AI license. The proposed standard shall not require the use of any specific legal text or clauses nor shall the proposed standard offer legal advice. The Responsible AI Licenses (RAIL) initiative (http://licenses.ai) that started earlier this year provides the first version of usable licenses (beta) aimed at researchers and practitioners who might be worried about irresponsible or unintended use of their technology. It is important to note that not every irresponsible use of AI is illegal and there are also challenges of not having laws that govern AI application program interfaces (API) and data usage. While there is no universal definition of "good" or "responsible" and that (understandably) makes legislation and policy making hard, technology creators should have a mechanism that enables them to prevent what they believe could constitute irresponsible use. Licenses give that ability -- just like licenses exist to protect intellectual property rights on software, one could possibly protect against irresponsible use. This, in effect, democratizes the definition of "irresponsible use" (and gets around problems of universal agreement etc). Technology providers/creators will need to consult with the legal representatives to define their own "Responsible AI license." The proposed standard will help enable common definitions and understanding to help ensure meaningful subscription to the idea of Responsible AI Licensing. New IEEE Standard - Active - Draft. The IEEE P2840 standard pertains to licenses which, by conforming to this standard, meaningfully engage with the spirit of responsible use of AI systems. In this regard, the standard is not intended to define what a license or contract is--these are well understood by legal systems across the world. Rather, licenses conforming to the IEEE P2840 standard shall adhere to and specify clauses that pertain to dimensions of use (i.e., capabilities, consequences, areas of application) of specific technical artifacts.