ISO 42001: Managing AI Responsibly

ISO 42001 is the first international standard focused on the governance, risk management, and operational control of artificial intelligence systems.

Released in 2023, it provides a structured approach for organizations developing or using AI to ensure their systems are trustworthy, transparent, and aligned with ethical principles.

This guide explains what ISO 42001 covers, who needs it, and how to begin preparing for it.

What Is ISO 42001?

ISO 42001 is an AI Management System (AIMS) standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It helps organizations:

• Build trust in their AI systems
• Ensure compliance with emerging laws and regulations
• Manage risks and unintended consequences
• Define ethical use policies around AI models and data

It follows the same structure as other ISO management systems (like ISO 27001 or ISO 9001), making it easier to integrate with existing compliance programs.

Who Is It For?

ISO 42001 applies to any organization that:

• Develops, deploys, or operates AI systems
• Wants to build customer or stakeholder trust in their use of AI
• Needs to align with regulatory or ethical AI guidelines
• Operates in sectors where algorithmic decisions impact people (e.g., finance, healthcare, HR tech, government)

Early adopters are often:

• AI-first startups or product teams
• Enterprises using machine learning in production
• Companies operating in highly regulated markets

Key Requirements

While ISO 42001 is still evolving in adoption, the core requirements focus on:

• AI policy and governance: Define purpose, scope, accountability, and ethical principles
• Risk management: Assess and mitigate risks related to bias, accuracy, explainability, and misuse
• Transparency and traceability: Document data inputs, decision logic, and model updates
• Monitoring and controls: Set up internal oversight, KPIs, and reporting lines
• Stakeholder involvement: Consider impact on customers, employees, and affected groups

Certification and Audit

Yes — ISO 42001 is auditable, just like ISO 27001.

To get certified:

• You’ll define an AI management system
• Implement governance and risk processes
• Run internal audits and a management review
• Then undergo a formal third-party audit from a certifying body

Certificates are typically valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits.

How ISO 42001 Compares to Other Frameworks

Getting Started with ISO 42001

To begin preparing:

• Inventory your AI systems, vendors, and use cases
• Define policies for ethical AI development and deployment
• Identify key risks and control gaps
• Assign ownership for AI governance and reporting
• Align with other ISO programs you may already have in place

Should You Get Certified?

It depends on your business and stakeholder needs.

Certification can help if:

• You sell AI-enabled software to regulated buyers
• You need to demonstrate AI accountability to customers or investors
• You want to prepare for future AI legislation (like the EU AI Act)

Related Reading

• ISO 42001
• Vanta vs Secfix
• GDPR Checklist for Startups