​​​Terms of Reference of the new ITU-T Joint Correspondence Group on Trust (JCG-Trust)

(TSAG-R1​ ANNEX D; GENEVA, 2025-05-30​)

Scope and objectives

WTSA-24 (New Delhi, 15 – 24 October 2024) approved WTSA-24 Action 8 (Trust) as follows:

WTSA-24 instructs ITU-T study groups, inter alia Study Groups 13, 17 and 20, to establish a coordination mechanism amongst the study groups in order to deliberate on the topic of "trust" (including trusted information) and "trustworthiness", and report to TSAG.

The Joint Correspondence Group on Trust (JCG-Trust) will deliberate on the topic of "trust" (including trusted information) and "trustworthiness", to implement the action requested by WTSA 24. In particular, this deliberation would include:

• Discuss the concept of trust in the context of telecom and ICTs.
• Review existing standards and frameworks related to trust and trustworthiness.
• Identify key components of a comprehensive trust framework, encompassing SG13, SG17 and SG20 scopes
• Develop a basis for a definition of trust suitable for standard development organizations (SDOs).
• Develop a guideline for the scope and role of each SG in future trust-related standardization based on the area of expertise SG.

​ The objectives are to assist the associated Study Groups' chairs in preparing a report to TSAG on the topic of trust.

Work methods

• The parent entity of Joint-CG-Trust is TSAG.
• Joint-CG-Trust is open to organizations participating in ITU-T SG13, SG17 and SG20.
• The results of the Joint-CG-Trust activities will be reported one month prior to each Study Group meeting.
• The Joint-CG-Trust activities will primarily be conducted through the dedicated mailing list jcgtrust@lists.itu.int but may also include virtual meetings as agreed upon. These virtual meetings will be organized using meeting tools supported by TSB.
• Meeting announcements, including the draft agenda, will be distributed via e-mail at least one week in advance.
• The Joint-CG-Trust Co-convenors are Ms. Xiaojia Song, Q16/13 associate Rapporteur, Mr. N. Kishor Narang, SG17 participant and Mr Gyu Myoung Lee, Q4/20 Rapporteur, as appointed by Study Group 13, Study Group 17 and Study Group 20, respectively.
• The Joint-CG-Trust may propose draft revisions to its terms of reference, as needed, to ensure continued relevance and responsiveness to evolving priorities.
• The Joint-CG-Trust will remain active until an agreement is reached by TSAG.
• The Joint-CG-Trust will report to the respective Study Groups and TSAG until the task is concluded.
• The potential extension of the Joint-CG-Trust will be decided by TSAG upon input from the associated Study Groups.​​