Mandate: Study Group 21 focuses on multimedia technologies, systems, applications, and services for current and future networks, including IP-based and cable-based networks. This includes ICTs for multimedia systems and services, accessibility for digital inclusion, active assisted living, human interfaces, multimedia aspects of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs), media and signal coding, and digital multimedia services for various verticals such as digital health, digital culture, and mobility. It also covers multimedia aspects of metaverse-related issues.

Key Responsibilities: The group is responsible for the use of telecommunication systems for the contribution, primary and secondary distribution of audiovisual content, and immersive multimedia applications like virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D. It also oversees the use of telecommunication networks, including coaxial cable, optical fibre, hybrid fibre-coaxial cable, and IP networks, to provide integrated broadband services. Additionally, the group leverages advanced technologies such as cloud computing and AI to enhance multimedia applications and services.

Lead Study Group Roles: Study Group 21 leads in areas such as multimedia technologies, integrated broadband cable networks, audiovisual content processing and delivery, human factors and ICT accessibility for digital inclusion, multimedia aspects of automotive-related intelligent services, digital health, digital culture, DLT applications, and immersive multimedia technologies including the metaverse.

Points of Guidance: The group works on terminology for multimedia services, operation and interoperability of multimedia systems, ubiquitous multimedia services and applications, development of multimedia end-to-end architectures, high-layer protocols and middleware for multimedia systems, media and signal coding, human-machine interaction, quality, security, and trust of multimedia systems, AI-enabled multimedia systems and applications, cloud-based systems for audiovisual content services, multimedia content processing and delivery including extended reality and the metaverse, and accessibility for digital inclusion.

​ Collaboration and Coordination: Study Group 21 collaborates with stakeholders in standardization areas, including other ITU study groups, UN agencies, international and regional standards organizations, industry forums, and consortia. It coordinates with ITU-T Study Group 12 on quality aspects and ​Study Group 17 on security aspects, develops implementation guidelines for deployment in developing countries, and coordinates with the ITU Radiocommunication Sector on broadcasting matters.