On 20 November 2024, the US Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI), operating under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), announced the publication of its inaugural guidance report on synthetic content. Titled "NIST AI 100 4 Reducing Risks Posed by Synthetic Content: An Overview of Technical Approaches to Digital Content Transparency," this report aims to address the challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of synthetic content in various digital forms.
The term "synthetic content" is defined in President Biden’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI (EO 14110) as data that has been significantly altered or generated through algorithms, including artificial intelligence. This encompasses a wide array of information types, such as images, audio clips, videos, and text, which are increasingly common in online environments.
The guidance outlined in NIST AI 100 4 focuses on several key strategies for mitigating risks associated with synthetic content. Firstly, the report proposes enhancing transparency through comprehensive recording of the provenance of digital content. This involves tracking the sources and changes made to the content throughout its lifecycle, thereby providing a clearer understanding of its origins. Secondly, it offers a framework for labelling and identifying AI-generated content, which would assist both creators and users in distinguishing between original human-generated material and content produced by algorithms.
In an important aspect of its recommendations, the report addresses the sensitive and potentially harmful aspects of synthetic content production. It specifically highlights the need for strategies to mitigate the dissemination of AI-generated child sex abuse materials (AIG CSAM) and non-consensual intimate imagery (AIG NCII) involving real individuals. The report underscores that while compliance with these guidelines is voluntary, it is anticipated to shape best practices within the industry for managing the risks associated with synthetic content.
The release of NIST AI 100 4 follows extensive public consultations, which included stakeholder feedback gathered through a Request for Information on 21 December 2023. As synthetic content technology continues to advance and permeate various business sectors, the ramifications of the guidance could be significant, influencing both the regulatory landscape and operational practices in the industry.
Businesses looking to navigate this evolving technological frontier may consider the insights provided in the report as a vital resource for developing their strategies in response to the rise of synthetic content. The global implications of such advancements highlight the need for ongoing dialogue and standards development in an increasingly digitized world.
Source: Noah Wire Services