The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) is pleased to announce the opening of a 60-day public review period for CAN/DGSI 128: Machine Learning and AI Implementation in Research Institutions. This draft National Standard of Canada establishes minimum requirements for the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies across Canada’s universities, research centers, libraries, and archives.
As AI-driven tools increasingly shape the way research institutions store, analyze, and distribute information, this standard provides essential guidance on ethical AI use, data governance, research security, and long-term sustainability. It outlines best practices to help institutions integrate AI and ML while ensuring that research integrity, transparency, and accessibility are protected. The draft standard addresses key concerns such as:
- Preserving information and data integrity to prevent AI-driven distortions, misclassification, or deletion of vital research data.
- Ensuring metadata and context preservation to maintain the integrity of research materials and historical archives.
- Promoting informed and principled access to AI-enhanced research tools while respecting intellectual property, cultural data sovereignty, and ethical guidelines.
- Defining sustainability requirements to mitigate environmental impacts of AI technologies within research institutions.
- Ensuring transparency in AI decision-making processes, including bias mitigation and proper human oversight.
“Increasingly, the research sector is changing as a result of AI, and this is having a significant impact on how Canadian research institutions plan for the future,” said Matthew da Mota, Senior Research Associate and Program Manager, Global AI Risks Initiative, Centre for International Governance Innovation. “Canada finds itself in a difficult moment, with many discussing how we need to catch up on sovereign infrastructure and innovation policies. But one area where we already lead—and have a strong foundation—is our research sector and its world-class institutions. This standard is a necessary step to protect the intangible assets and ethical frameworks already preserved within these institutions while providing initial guidelines for sensible and trustworthy AI adoption that preserves sovereignty and enables continued innovation. This will be the first of many steps in deciding what the future of research will be across Canada and beyond.“
The DGSI invites research professionals, AI experts, policymakers, academic institutions, and the public to review and provide feedback on the draft standard.
How to Participate
The draft standard is now available for public review, and DGSI welcomes comments and insights until May 19 2025. Stakeholders can submit feedback via the standard’s page.
Get involved
The DGSI’s development process is collaborative and open to all, and anyone interested in contributing to the development of digital governance standards is encouraged to get involved. For more information on how to participate, contact:
Darryl Kingston
Executive Director
Digital Governance Standards Institute
darryl.kingston@dgc-cgn.org
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.