The GSMA has announced the launch of an industry-wide initiative known as the Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap, championed by Axiata, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica, and Telstra. This initiative aims to provide telecom operators (GSMA members) with the tools and guidance to test and promote the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI).
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Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap
GSMA says this initiative is designed to help the telecom sector, projected by McKinsey to potentially generate up to USD 680 billion over the next 15-20 years from AI, adopt the technology responsibly. The roadmap, developed with input from McKinsey and a group of operators, provides a structured framework for operators to evaluate their AI practices and set future goals. It offers tools for measuring progress and adhering to best practices in areas such as fairness, transparency, and privacy.
Responsible AI
The Director General of the GSMA said: "The transformative potential of AI has long been apparent, but its integration into our work and lives must be done responsibly and transparently for it to be truly effective and sustainable. This roadmap will now empower more MNOs to embrace AI, knowing that, in line with the whole sector, they are doing so responsibly and ethically."
"Responsible AI is the right way to explore and unlock the many opportunities the technology presents, and the telecom industry is proud to lead the way as the first sector to commit to this approach – we hope others will follow our example."
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Five Pillars of the Framework
Following industry consultation, the GSMA has combined these approaches with existing global regulations, recommendations, and standards from international organisations, including the OECD and the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, to create a roadmap for the entire industry to align on the use of RAI.
"This is the first time an entire sector has committed to a common approach to AI," the GSMA said.
The five key aspects of the roadmap include an organisation's strategic vision, AI governance, technical controls, collaboration with third-party ecosystems, and change management and communication strategies.
Commitment from Telecom Operators
In total, 19 MNOs, including Axiata, BT Group, Deutsche Telekom, Du UEA, E&, Globe, KPN, MTN, Orange, Singtel, STC, Telefonica, Telenor, Telia, Telstra, Turkcell, TIM, True, and Vodafone, have committed to the roadmap as a way of tracking, maintaining, and improving their responsible use of AI, following significant industry involvement in the consultation and development process.
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The GSMA Board Chair and Chairman and CEO of Telefonica said: "The speed with which AI has now become a central part of tech and telecom operations demonstrates its power and undeniable value, but also the risks we must consider as an industry and the need to place ethics at the heart of AI to prevent its uncontrolled development."
"It is crucial for us all to ensure responsible guidelines for the use of AI are implemented now, and it is great to see the telecom industry leading the way with the GSMA's new roadmap."
