19 Global Telecommunications Companies Commit to New GSMA Framework for Responsible and Ethical Adoption of AI
The GSMA has unveiled a major initiative called the Responsible AI (RAI) Maturity Roadmap, supported by industry leaders including Axiata, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telefonica and Telstra. The initiative aims to equip telecom operators with essential tools and guidance for the responsible and ethical implementation of artificial intelligence (AI).
Roadmap for responsible AI
The RAI initiative aims to guide the telecom industry, which McKinsey estimates could generate up to $680 billion over the next 15 to 20 years from AI, in the responsible adoption of this transformative technology. Developed from insights from McKinsey and a consortium of operators, the roadmap provides a structured framework for telecom companies to assess their AI practices and set future goals. Key areas of focus include:
- Justice
- Transparency
- Confidentiality
Focus on responsible AI
The GSMA Director General highlighted the importance of integrating AI into daily operations responsibly. He said: “The transformative potential of AI has long been evident, but its integration into our work and lives must be done responsibly and transparently to be truly effective and sustainable.” This initiative not only empowers mobile network operators (MNOs) to adopt AI responsibly, but also positions the telecoms industry as a leader in ethical AI practices, with the hope of inspiring other industries to follow suit.
The five pillars of the framework
The GSMA combined the insights from industry consultations with existing global regulations and standards from organisations such as the OECD and UNESCO to create a comprehensive RAI roadmap. The framework includes five key elements:
- Strategic vision: Align AI initiatives with organizational goals.
- AI Governance:Establish robust policies and procedures for the use of AI.
- Technical checks:Implement the necessary technological protection measures.
- Collaboration:Engaging with third-party ecosystems to share best practices.
- Change management: Developing effective communication strategies for AI implementation.
A total of 19 mobile network operators have committed to the RAI roadmap, including household names such as Axiata, BT Group, Deutsche Telekom, E&, Globe, MTN, Singtel and Vodafone. This commitment reflects a collective effort to track, maintain and improve the responsible use of AI, following significant industry engagement in the development process.
GSMA Chairman and Telefonica CEO said: “The speed with which AI has become a central part of technology and telecommunications operations demonstrates its power and undeniable value, but also the risks we must consider as an industry. It is critical for us to ensure that responsible guidelines for the use of AI are implemented now, and it is great to see the telecoms industry leading the way with the GSMA’s new roadmap.”
Important points
- Aim:Establish a framework for responsible use of AI in telecommunications.
- Participants:19 major telecom operators have committed to the initiative.
- Frame:Focuses on strategic vision, governance, technical controls, collaboration and change management.
- Aim:Improving AI integration while ensuring ethical practices and compliance with global standards.
The launch of the RAI Maturity Roadmap marks a pivotal moment for the telecommunications industry, setting a precedent for the responsible adoption of AI and reinforcing the importance of ethical considerations in technology development.
