ISO 42001:2023 is the world’s first AI management system standard, created to set boundaries within which artificial intelligence systems operate inside an organisation.
Purpose and scope
The standard applies to organisations offering or using AI-based products or services, helping ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly. It defines an AI management system as a collection of connected elements — policies, objectives and processes — for the responsible use of AI.
Core features
ISO 42001 is built around seven main components: organisational context, leadership and commitment, risk and change management, support (resources, people, communication), operation and control, performance evaluation, and continual improvement.
Structure
The standard mirrors the format of ISO 27001, using Clauses 4–10, and includes:
- Annex A — 39 controls covering AI policies, internal organisation, resources, impact analysis, system lifecycle, data management, stakeholder communication, intended use and third-party relationships
- Annex B — implementation guidance for the controls
- Annex C — organisational objectives and risk sources
- Annex D — cross-sector and domain-specific application guidance
It aligns with existing frameworks — ISO 27001 (security), ISO 27701 (privacy) and ISO 9001 (quality) — through the harmonised clause structure.
The challenges it addresses
The standard tackles eight core AI governance concerns: ethical application (in hiring, healthcare, legal and more), transparency and explainability, bias mitigation, workforce transition, security against misuse, personal-data protection, international regulatory harmonisation, and clear governance frameworks.
Benefits
Implementation supports ethical AI assurance, enhanced trust and reputation, mechanisms for security, safety, fairness and transparency, governance aligned to business objectives, regulatory-compliance support, structured risk management, and innovation within a controlled environment.
ABS offers ISO 42001 certification for organisations ready to demonstrate responsible AI governance.