The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has introduced the first Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Framework for the Olympic Movement, an initiative aimed at guiding sports organizations in the responsible, ethical, and safe adoption of this technology. The document establishes principles and practical tools to support organizations that are beginning to explore artificial intelligence, as well as those already incorporating it into their activities, with a particular focus on athlete protection, the integrity of competitions, and transparency in decision-making.
The initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence is transforming various areas of sport, from athlete preparation and the organization of the Olympic Games to fan engagement. However, its expansion also raises challenges related to privacy, fairness, and accountability in the use of data. To address these issues, the IOC developed a framework that seeks to establish a common foundation for organizations to take advantage of technological opportunities without losing sight of the fundamental values of sport.
The IOC establishes principles for trustworthy artificial intelligence in sport
The Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Framework is structured around seven principles designed to guide the development and use of AI systems across the Olympic Movement. These cover safety, personal data protection, reliability, transparency, accountability, fairness, and sustainability. Together, they propose that technology should be implemented in a way that respects people’s rights, contributes to fair competition, and makes it possible to understand how automated systems are used in different sporting processes.
The proposal also provides for the application of these principles throughout the entire AI lifecycle, from design and procurement to implementation and ongoing use. In this regard, Alejandro Merino-Madrid, the IOC’s Head of Artificial Intelligence, emphasized that technology must serve sport, not the other way around, highlighting the importance of protecting athletes’ data, ensuring fairness, and making sure that the operation of these systems is understandable. The framework thus seeks to provide a shared reference point for organizations to embrace innovation while continuing to prioritize athletes and the integrity of competitions.
A practical tool to assess risks and strengthen trust in AI
To facilitate the application of these principles, the IOC introduced a trustworthy AI checklist that enables organizations to assess the risks associated with their systems and define measures to improve their use. The tool includes a three-step self-assessment process: analyzing the risks inherent in the technology, reviewing how the seven principles are addressed, and obtaining practical recommendations, resources, and guidance to strengthen trust in its implementation. In this way, organizations can identify potential vulnerabilities and establish safeguards before adopting or expanding the use of these solutions.
The framework was developed with the support of Deloitte, the IOC’s digital transformation consulting partner, and through collaboration with more than 200 leaders from across the Olympic Movement, including athletes and specialists in technology, governance, and sport. The initiative also incorporated athletes’ perspectives, with the aim of keeping them at the center of decisions related to artificial intelligence. In this context, Sarah Walker, an Olympic medalist and IOC member, highlighted the importance of athletes understanding how this technology is used and participating in the processes that determine its application. The document also establishes that responsibility for the ethical development and use of these systems lies with the organizations that design or implement them.
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