Google, Microsoft offer specs to help you prove your AI is behaving nicely (www.cio.com)

The Appia Foundation has been launched with backing from major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI to assist enterprises in evaluating their AI applications' compliance with existing standards and regulations. Although it will not set formal standards, the foundation seeks to create modular specifications that serve as a bridge between global standards and practical assessments across the AI value chain. This initiative addresses the complex challenge of navigating diverse regional requirements, especially given the stricter regulations in regions like the EU compared to the US. The foundation has introduced a two-layer criteria system: the Requirements and Guidance layers will clarify compliance benchmarks, while the Assessment Enablement layer will focus on evaluating adherence to these requirements. Notably, while these criteria are not formal standards, they may evolve into recognized standards over time. Hosted by the Linux Foundation’s Joint Development Foundation, the Appia Foundation aims to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including academics and government entities, to build a comprehensive advisory framework. This initiative is significant for the AI/ML community as it promotes transparency and accountability in AI deployment, crucial for maintaining public trust and compliance.