Global standards as guardrails: Advancing fair and ethical AI in industry
Author(s): Sheema S Dhar
Abstract: International standards play a pivotal role in industrial governance by providing a unified framework that bridges regulatory fragmentation across borders. By establishing a common language and set of expectations, these standards enable smoother cross border operations for multinational industries and reduce inconsistencies that can arise from differing national regulations. Many countries including India are actively engaged in the development of global standards to ensure the national policies align with and are interoperable with international norms. This alignment not only facilitates international trade and cooperation but also supports the safe, ethical and widespread adoption of AI technologies in industrial settings. Major global standard setting institutions such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are at the forefront of these efforts. These organizations collaborate with governments, industry stakeholders and civil society to develop and update standards that promote trust, transparency and accountability in AI-driven industrial systems, thereby fostering innovation while safeguarding public and worker interests. The article examines the foundational principles that guide global standards in the AI industry emphasizing the critical need for consistent international standards to ensure ethical fairness in industrial governance. Harmonized standards are essential for safeguarding worker rights preventing bias and discrimination and ensuring that AI technologies are used ethically and equitably in industrial contexts.
Sheema S Dhar. Global standards as guardrails: Advancing fair and ethical AI in industry. Int J Criminal Common Statutory Law 2025;5(2):26-31. DOI: 10.22271/27899497.2025.v5.i2a.144