ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is a comprehensive standard focused on managing AI systems within your organisation.
This standard is crucial as it provides a structured approach to managing the unique challenges and risks associated with AI technologies.
This post helps you:
- Understand the standard,
- Know why it matters, and
- Discover how to comply with it.
We also look at other considerations that can help your organisation effectively integrate AI into its operations safely, lawfully and profitably.
Why you should care about ISO/IEC 42001:2023
AI technology is increasingly integrated into various sectors, impacting everything from business operations to societal norms. This integration presents unique challenges and risks, particularly security, privacy, fairness, and transparency.
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 addresses these issues. How? By offering a framework for organisations to responsibly manage their AI systems. This standard not only enhances the effectiveness of existing management systems but also aids in overall compliance with various regulatory requirements.
Key components of the standard
Main body
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is divided into several clauses. And each clause covers different aspects of AI management, including:
- the context of the organisation,
- leadership,
- planning,
- support,
- operation,
- performance evaluation, and
- improvement.
Further, four annexes support the standard. They provide further guidance on trustworthiness, implementation of AI controls, data management, responsible AI use, and considerations for applying the standard across different sectors.
Annex A
It focuses on the management guide for AI system development, emphasising the documentation of data used in organisations, including categories used for machine learning and labelling the data for training and testing.
Annex B
Addresses data management processes and specific guidance for AI systems, covering transparency, explainability, and sample training data. It also touches on the responsible use of AI, aiming for trustworthiness in various dimensions, including fairness, accountability, transparency, reliability, robustness, safety, privacy, security, and accessibility.
Annex C
Relates to AI-related organisational objectives and risk sources, providing a framework to manage risks associated with AI use.
Annex D
It deals with applying the AI management standard across different domains and sectors, including considerations for integrating sector-specific standards with this general AI standard.
How to comply with ISO/IEC 42001:2023
Compliance with ISO/IEC 42001:2023 involves understanding and implementing the clauses and annexes of the standard within your organisation.
The compliance process includes:
- Establishing an AI Management System (AIMS): This process involves integrating AI management with your organisation’s existing structures and systems.
- Conducting an impact analysis: Assessing the impact of AI systems on individuals, groups, and society, considering areas like fairness, transparency, and safety.
- Implementing controls and policies: Developing and applying AI-related policies, focusing on internal organisation, resources for AI systems, and the AI system life cycle.
- Data management: Ensuring transparent and responsible handling of data used in AI systems, including the preparation and management of training data.
- Monitoring and continuous improvement: Continuously assess and improve the AI systems in place, ensuring they align with organisational goals and comply with ethical standards.
Additional considerations
Organisations should consider the broader implications of AI deployment, including its impact on the environment, potential misinformation, and safety and health issues. The standard also emphasises the need to justify the development of AI systems, document design choices, and evaluate AI-specific measures.
Actions to take next
- Buy the standard.
- Implement ISO/IEC 42001:2023 by consulting with our specialists or attending our public or private workshops.
- Determine how AI impacts your organisation by asking us for an AI risk or readiness assessment.
- Meet the controls in ISO/IEC 42001:2023 by taking the steps in our Trustworthy AI programme.
- Stay updated with the latest AI law news by subscribing to our newsletter.
- Discover more about AI by reading our AI law page.
