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Advancing technology responsibly

Emerging technologies such as AI, biometrics, brain-computer interfaces and the industrial metaverse are reshaping society. International standards and conformity assessment systems help make this transformation safer, more trusted and more inclusive.
Explore key highlights
Impact summary
  • New standards to build trust in AI and support cyber security
  • The first International AI Standards Summit enshrining a shared commitment for the future development of AI
  • New guidance to support age-restricted websites and protect children online
  • Industry reports on the metaverse and AI-generated content
  • A guide for committees to ensure standards are gender responsive
Building trust in emerging technologies.
International AI Standards Summit
GRS workshop
Artificial intelligence

Building trust in AI

IEC and ISO work through ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42 to develop standards for the AI ecosystem. Recent standards address transparency, impact measurement, testing and certification requirements for AI management systems. The International AI Standards Summit in Seoul reinforced a shared commitment to ethical, human-centred AI.

AI-generated content

Navigating AIGC opportunities and risks

AI generated content (AIGC) offers the potential to transform numerous industries by enabling users to interact with machines more naturally, solve previously unsolvable problems and enhance productivity and decision-making like never before.

Cyber security

Strengthening cyber security worldwide

In a world where cyber security is a rising global concern, the use of biometrics for authentication is also increasing, being a robust and reliable way of identifying individuals. But biometrics are not completely cyber secure, with techniques such as morphing that threaten to outwit biometric systems. International standards help reduce these risks by providing requirements for biometric security and enabling interoperability. 

Age assurance

Keeping children safe online

In 2025, a number of governments introduced social media bans for children, supported by age verification laws that seek to prevent children from accessing age–restricted sites. But age verification technologies come with their own set of complexities, notably around privacy and data issues. 

Human augmentation

Brain-computer interfaces

The technology behind brain–computer interfaces (BCI) is evolving rapidly, and international standards are essential tools to support the safe, ethical and responsible deployment of BCI technology. 

Inclusion

Gender-responsive standards

In 2025 we undertook a number of activities to promote the importance of integrating gender differences in standards to ensure they adequately serve and protect all users.
Industrial metaverse

Anticipating standardization needs

IEC’s industrial metaverse trend report explores privacy, ownership, safety and sustainability questions, and identifies where standards will be essential as the technology matures.

Explore the
technology section

Read the complete section to see how IEC’s work supports responsible innovation, strengthens safety and privacy, and helps ensure new technologies benefit people, industry, and society.
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OUR IMPACT IN 2025

Advancing together through transformation and collaboration

Powering our
digital transformation

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Sustainability
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Participation and engagement

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EVERY ACHIEVEMENT STARTS WITH PEOPLE​

The power of collaboration

People are at the heart of everything we do, and our achievements reflect the dedication, expertise and shared purpose of the entire IEC community. Below is a snapshot of some of the defining moments of collaboration and innovation that have shaped our work over the past year.