National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
A U.S. federal agency that develops technology, measurement, and standards.
How the laws define this
Both sources agree that the National Institute of Standards and Technology is a non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce created to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology. They diverge, however, on whether to include explicit artificial intelligence responsibilities within the core definition itself. The AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act explicitly incorporates an AI focus into its definition, specifying that NIST is tasked with developing frameworks and guidelines for AI security and safety. In contrast, the instrument titled To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop guidelines to assist agencies with preparing open Government data to be ready for use with artificial intelligence systems provides only the general organizational description without stating this AI safety and security framework role in its text.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop guidelines to assist agencies with preparing open Government data to be ready for use with artificial intelligence systems. | In Force | This definition adds that the guidelines assist federal agencies in preparing open government data for AI systems, focusing on quality, accessibility, and responsible use. |
| United States | AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act | Under Review | This definition widens the mission to include enhancing economic security and improving quality of life, and specifies NIST's task to develop frameworks and guidelines for AI security and safety. |
What it triggers
- Under the guideline, NIST sets out assistance for federal agencies in preparing open Government data to be ready for use with artificial intelligence systems.source
- Under the AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act, NIST would be directed to establish frameworks for AI security vulnerability management and voluntary incident reporting.
Definitions (2)
A non-regulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce whose mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life. In the context of AI, NIST is tasked with developing frameworks and guidelines for AI security and safety.
A nonregulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that promotes U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology.
Questions and answers
What do NIST guidelines say about preparing data for AI?
NIST guidelines assist federal agencies in preparing open government data for AI systems. They focus on quality, accessibility, and responsible use.
What is NIST tasked with under the AI Incident Reporting and Security Enhancement Act?
The bill would direct NIST to establish frameworks for AI security vulnerability management and voluntary incident reporting to enhance AI safety and public trust.
How does NIST support AI safety in the US?
NIST develops guidelines for preparing open government data for AI and, under the proposed bill, frameworks for AI security and incident reporting.