Artificial intelligence has been revolutionising the way we live from self-driving cars and generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, we have stepped into an era where technological advancements have been booming. This is where ISO/IEC 42001:2023 comes in, the international standard has been designed to provide a structured framework for the management of AI systems within any organisation.
The safe integration of an organisation process and artificial intelligence (AI) has become even more paramount as time has passed. However, as AI technologies are becoming more complex, organisations face challenges in effectively managing and securing their AI systems.
What is ISO/IEC 42001:2023?
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is an international standard that provides a systematic framework that guides organisations in establishing, implementing, and maintaining an artificial intelligence management system (AIMS).
The standard covers a multitude of aspects in depth including AI management, risk assessment, impact analysis, and continuous improvement. ISO/IEC 42001:2023 focuses on managing AI systems in a way that aligns an organisation with ethical and legal expectations.
Implementing an AIMS standard will ensure that AI contributes positively to the organisational goals without compromising ethical standards or societal expectations.
Who is ISO/IEC 42001:2023 for?
The ISO/IEC 42001:2023 standard provides a flexible framework that can be tailored to fit the unique needs and objectives of any organisation regardless of size, sector, or the nature of its AI applications.
Also addressing the challenges when it comes to AI adoption across an organisation, ISO/IEC 42001:2023 offers a framework that aims to provide oversight, enhance management efficiency, and ensure compliance.
An AIMS is applicable for any organisation but focuses heavily on organisations that:
- Are engaged in creating, delivering, or using AI-driven products or services.
- Applicable to all sectors and types of organisations including public sector entities, businesses, and non-profit organisations using AI.
- Participate in the machine-learning domain.
The significance of standardising artificial intelligence
The process of standardising modern technology has taken a lot of time in the past, however, with ISO already releasing an AI managing international standard, we could expect to see laws being formed around AI categorisation and governance. Countries such as the EU, UK, and US already have standardising laws in place that show how important it is for organisations to embrace ISO/IEC 42001:2023.
Establishing clear international standards allows all countries to cohesively regulate AI technologies and responsible development.
By establishing and implementing an AIMS, organisations ensure their AI integrations are ensuring compliance with local and international regulations.
How ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is the gateway to artificial intelligence
AI innovation will continue to advance for the near future, with various new AI technologies coming from Open AI, Google, and Microsoft we can expect the digital landscape to become more automated and with various new AI opportunities. Every organisation that develops or uses AI will need to implement an ISO/IEC 42001:2023 AI management system that can adapt to all the changes along the way.
A measured approach to AI is needed to ensure compliance while embracing the full potential of AI opportunities. ISO/IEC 42001:2023 lays the foundation for ethical, safe, and forward-thinking use of AI across its various applications and organisations.
Benefits of an ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Artificial Intelligence Management System
The main benefit of embracing ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is to ensure that your organisation and our entire society positively benefit from the use of AI. However, organisations and users can benefit in numerous ways specific to their organisation when implementing an AIMS.
Benefits of embracing the standard include:
- The improved quality, security, traceability, transparency, and reliability of AI applications used within the organisation and provided to users.
- Enhanced efficiency of AI systems.
- In-depth AI risk assessments.
- Greater confidence in AI systems within an organisation
- Reduced costs of AI development.
- Better regulatory compliance through controls, audit schemes, and guidance that are consistent with emerging laws and regulations.
All these benefits contribute to the ethical and responsible use of AI.
The framework of ISO/IEC 42001:2023
To ensure all positive and negative challenges organisations might experience with AI have been managed appropriately, ISO/IEC 42001:2023 has established detailed criteria for a framework that every organisation must meet.
The overall framework structure of ISO/IEC 42001:2023 covers:
- The responsible management of the AI system’s life cycle.
- In-depth performance measurement, including both quantitative and qualitative outcomes.
- Conformity to requirements and audits to assess AI systems.
- Implementing a “Plan-Do-Check-Act” methodology
- The identification of relevant external and internal organisational factors.
- Emphasises the importance of leadership when integrating and enhancing AI management systems.
- Comprehensive AI policies.
- Identifying and addressing risks and opportunities in AI management systems for continual improvement.
- Establishes a process to assess the impact of AI systems on individuals and societies, considering technical and societal factors, and documenting the outcomes.
- Ensuring all necessary resources and competencies are available.
- Effectively managing essential documentation for the AI management system.
- Plan, implement, and control processes to meet requirements and manage changes effectively.
The comprehensive framework provided by the standard simplifies the processes for organisations to manage AI ethically and responsibly.
Secure your organisation through compliance
With laws and regulations being established it is important to ensure that your organisation is safe from fines or legal action. By establishing, implementing, and maintaining an AIMS, you ensure the AI leveraged in your organisation is fully compliant and aligned with all your legal requirements.
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is only one of the various standards that have been created to establish optimised procedures for the development, deployment, and enhancement of AI systems. By embracing an AI management system an organisation can stay ahead of the curve by being in alignment with all regulations and laws.
As AI evolves ISO/IEC 42001:2023 makes it easier for organisations to adapt and address challenges long-term.
An effective AI management system promotes innovation while safeguarding ethical principles. Need help implementing an ISO/IEC 42001:2023 artificial management system? Call one of our expert consultants on 086 109 9473 or email us on admin@wwise.co.za who will be able to guide you through the certification process.