The framework provides National Olympic Committees with practical guidance on safeguarding data, managing risks and using artificial intelligence responsibly in sport and communications.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) Framework designed to guide organisations across the Olympic Movement in the responsible development and use of AI systems.

The framework provides practical principles, tools and guidance to help organisations assess potential risks, introduce appropriate safeguards and strengthen accountability as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into sports administration, communications and operations.

Developed with the support of Deloitte, the IOC’s Digital Transformation Consulting Partner, the framework was shaped through engagement with more than 200 leaders from across the Olympic Movement.

The initiative reflects the growing importance of responsible technology adoption in an increasingly digital sporting environment.

What Does the Framework Mean for National Olympic Committees?

For National Olympic Committees (NOCs), the framework offers guidance on how to explore the opportunities presented by AI while protecting athletes, stakeholders and institutional credibility.

As NOCs continue to strengthen their digital presence and adopt new technologies, AI tools can support a range of activities, including content creation, translation, administrative processes, data analysis and audience engagement. However, their use also raises important questions about accuracy, privacy, transparency and accountability.

The IOC’s framework provides a reference point for NOCs to consider these issues when introducing AI into their operations.

1. Strengthening Sports Communications

AI is increasingly being used to support the production and distribution of digital content. For NOC communications teams, it can assist with drafting, editing, translation, research and organising information for different platforms.

However, AI-generated content requires human review to ensure factual accuracy, appropriate context and consistency with an organisation’s identity and values. Particular care is also necessary when producing athlete stories, using photographs or videos, and communicating sensitive information.

The framework reinforces the importance of ensuring that technological efficiency does not come at the expense of authenticity, trust and responsible storytelling.

2. Protecting Athlete and Stakeholder Data

NOCs handle information relating to athletes, coaches, officials, staff and other stakeholders. Depending on how AI tools are used, information entered into these systems may raise privacy and data-protection concerns.

The framework encourages organisations to consider how information is collected, processed and protected when using AI. NOCs can apply this principle by establishing clear internal guidance on the types of information staff may enter into AI platforms, the tools they are authorised to use and the safeguards required when handling confidential or personal data.

Protecting information is particularly important when working with athlete records, internal communications and sensitive organisational documents.

3. Promoting Transparency and Accountability

Responsible AI use also requires clarity about how and when these tools are used.

NOCs can consider developing internal AI-use guidelines that define staff responsibilities, establish review procedures and clarify when human approval is required. Where AI has a material role in producing information or supporting decisions, appropriate transparency can help maintain stakeholder confidence.

Human oversight remains important, particularly where the use of AI could affect athletes, institutional decisions or public communication.

4. Supporting Fairness and Safeguarding

AI systems can produce inaccurate, misleading or biased outputs. In sport, these risks require careful consideration, especially when technology is used in areas involving athlete welfare, safeguarding, selection-related information or public representation.

The framework encourages organisations to assess potential risks and introduce appropriate safeguards rather than adopting technology without considering its consequences.

For NOCs, this means evaluating AI applications according to their intended purpose, the people affected and the potential impact of errors or inappropriate use.

5. Building Digital Capacity Across the Olympic Movement

The responsible adoption of AI also presents an opportunity for learning and collaboration among NOCs.

Sharing experiences, developing staff skills and establishing practical guidance can help organisations make informed decisions about which tools to adopt and how to use them appropriately.

For NOCs with different levels of digital infrastructure and technical resources, accessible guidance and knowledge-sharing can support more informed participation in the Olympic Movement’s digital transformation.

From Principles to Practice

The IOC’s Trustworthy AI Checklist offers organisations a practical starting point for reviewing their current and planned use of AI. Alongside the framework, the IOC has made supporting training materials and frequently asked questions available to help organisations understand and implement the guidance.

For NOCs, putting the principles into practice may involve reviewing existing AI use, identifying potential risks, training staff, setting clear internal procedures and ensuring that appropriate human oversight is maintained.

The framework can inform these efforts while allowing each organisation to consider its own operational needs, resources and applicable data-protection requirements.

A Responsible Approach to the Future of Sport

The launch of the Trustworthy AI Framework highlights an important consideration for the Olympic Movement: digital innovation must be accompanied by responsibility.

As technology continues to influence how sport is managed, communicated and experienced, NOCs have an opportunity to explore AI’s benefits while safeguarding the trust of athletes, partners, fans and the wider sporting community.

For the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), the framework provides a useful reference as the organisation continues to engage with digital communications and explore ways to improve efficiency, strengthen audience engagement and tell Uganda’s sporting stories.

The challenge is not simply to adopt new technology, but to understand how to use it responsibly, with clear safeguards and human judgement guiding its application.

By combining innovation with accountability, transparency and respect for people, organisations across the Olympic Movement can work towards a digital future that supports sport while preserving the values at its heart.

Explore the IOC’s Trustworthy AI Resources

The IOC has made the following resources available to support organisations across the Olympic Movement:

•  Trustworthy AI Framework: Principles and supporting guidance for responsible AI use.
•  Trustworthy AI Checklist: A practical self-assessment tool to help organisations review risks and identify safeguards.
• Training and Materials: Guidance and frequently asked questions to support implementation.

Source : International Olympic Committee (IOC), Trustworthy AI Framework announcement.