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ISO/IEC 42001 – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Manage and build trust in how AI is applied to products and services.

In response to the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the challenges it creates, the ISO and IEC have created the ISO/IEC 42001 standard.

AI and the related subset of Machine Learning have considerable potential to benefit society and economies in many ways. Some examples of the benefits include improved interpretation of data, ability to remotely diagnose both human and machine health, autonomous vehicles and much more. Although intended as a power for good, inappropriate use of the technology or lack of control are perceived as risks that need careful management.

Certification of your management system demonstrates your commitment to consistency, continual improvement and customer satisfaction. Also, a certified system based on the new ISO IEC 42001 standard helps any company ensure reliable and responsible use to safeguard all people involved and build trust in its application. These are tangible business benefits that play an important part in building resilience and sustainable business performance.

What is ISO/IEC 42001?

Applicable to all types of company in any industry, ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international management system standard for AI. While there are other frameworks existing, ISO/IEC 42001 is the only one that is certifiable.

The standard sets requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an AI management system. The purpose of the standard is to ensure that systems are being developed and used responsibly by:

  • Promoting the development and use of AI systems that are trustworthy, transparent and accountable.
  • Emphasising ethical principles and values when deploying AI systems, such as fairness, non-discrimination and respect for privacy.
  • Help organizations identify and mitigate risks related to AI implementation ensuring appropriate mitigating measures are in place.
  • Encouraging organizations to prioritise human well-being, safety and user experience in AI design and deployment.
  • Assisting organizations in compliance with relevant laws regulations data protection requirements or obligations to interested parties.

Benefits of becoming certified

Checking that your AI management system works is vital. Certification to ISO IEC 42001 by an independent third-party verifies how your system is performing and demonstrates your work to apply effective AI management principles within the organization. As a result:
  • Build trust in your management system’s performance internally and externally by applying effective management principles within the organization.
  • Implement a structured approach to continually improving processes and knowing where to focus efforts.
  • Enhance customer confidence and satisfaction, which in turn can lead to increased business.
  • Gain a significant competitive advantage by meeting any management system certification business requirements from customers, suppliers and sub-contractors in order to conduct business with them.

Getting started

To be certified, you first need to implement an effective AI management system complying with the standard’s requirements.  DNV is an accredited third-party certification body and can help you throughout the journey starting from relevant ISO IEC 42001 training to self-assessments, gap analysis and certification services.

Learn more about how to get started on the road to certification.