Leading the Digital Frontier: Iran to Shape Global Standards for AI and LLMs
From technology consumer to global architect, the Islamic Republic secures a strategic seat at the ISO table to govern the future of emerging technologies.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM - In a landmark achievement for the Islamic Republic’s scientific community, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has formally accepted Iran’s proposal to lead the development of global standards for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs).
This development, announced by officials from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, marks a definitive shift in Iran’s role within the global tech ecosystem. No longer merely a consumer of foreign-made digital tools, Iran is now positioned as a primary designer of the rules and ethical frameworks that will govern the most transformative technology of the 21st century.
A Strategic Leap in Scientific Authority
Mohammad-Hossein Sheikhi, a senior official at the Ministry of ICT, emphasised that this is not a routine administrative success. Rather, it is a testament to the specialised expertise matured within the country despite years of unilateral external pressures.
“This underlines Iran’s expertise at the international level, allowing the country to be at the forefront of designing the rules governing emerging technologies,” Sheikhi stated.
By taking the lead on LLM standards—the “brain” behind modern AI—Iran ensures that its national interests, cultural nuances, and security requirements are considered in the global roadmap of AI development.
Building the Infrastructure of Tomorrow
The recognition by ISO coincides with a massive domestic push to fortify Iran’s AI capabilities. The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology has unveiled plans to establish 15 dedicated AI laboratories across the nation’s top universities.
These facilities will serve as the testing grounds for fundamental AI models, focusing on:
Data Governance & Privacy: Ensuring that AI evolution does not come at the cost of national or individual digital sovereignty.
Interdisciplinary Training: Developing specialised educational courses to cultivate a new generation of Iranian “AI-Ulama”—scholars who understand both the technical and ethical dimensions of machine learning.
Regulatory Compliance: Creating a framework where AI serves the public good while maintaining rigorous security standards.
Rising in the Global Ranks
The Islamic Republic’s ascent is backed by data. According to the Nature Index, Iran’s ranking in AI scientific production has climbed from 33rd to 30th globally, placing it firmly among the world’s top 50 leaders. Furthermore, the 2024 Government AI Readiness Index shows Iran continuing to climb the ladder of digital maturity, now ranking 91st out of 188 countries—a steady improvement that reflects the state’s commitment to integrating AI into public services.
Conclusion: A Vision of Sovereignty
As the world grapples with the risks of AI—ranging from economic displacement to algorithmic bias—Iran’s proactive involvement in ISO standards ensures that the “Global North” does not hold a monopoly on the ethics of intelligence.
By leading the charge in standardising LLMs, the Islamic Republic is not just protecting its own digital borders; it is contributing to a more multipolar and equitable technological future for the entire international community. The transition from technology consumer to global rule-maker is complete, signalling a new era of Iranian scientific authority on the world stage. (PW)
Source: Tehran Times