ISO 42001: The AI Management System (AIMS) Standard
TL;DR
ISO 42001 defines requirements for an AI Management System (AIMS) that governs AI systems across their lifecycle. It focuses on policy, roles, risk management, lifecycle controls, monitoring, and continual improvement. It complements ISO 27001 (information security) by adding AI-specific governance and assurance. Organizations scope AI systems, assign accountable roles, manage risks (e.g., prompt injection, misuse, data lineage), implement controls (testing, logging, oversight), and review performance with corrective actions.
Key Facts
ISO 42001 specifies requirements to establish, implement, maintain, and improve an AIMS.
AIMS covers governance, responsibilities, lifecycle risk, monitoring, and improvement.
ISO 42001 complements, not replaces, ISO 27001.
Risk and control activities apply to providers and deployers depending on role.
Evidence-based assurance (docs, logs, reviews) underpins conformance.
Implementation Steps
Scope AI systems and vendors → Scope register, criteria doc.
Governance assign owner/approver/oversight → RACI, policy, approvals.
Risk identify hazards; treat and track → Risk register, decisions.
Controls test, log, gate changes, define rollback → Test logs, change tickets.
Assure reviews, audits, CAPA → Management review minutes, CAPA records.
Glossary
- AIMS
- AI Management System - a framework for managing AI throughout its lifecycle
- Scope
- The boundaries and applicability of the AI management system
- Provider
- Organization that develops, procures or modifies AI systems
- Deployer
- Organization that uses AI systems to provide products or services
- CAPA
- Corrective and Preventive Actions - systematic approach to address nonconformities
- Lifecycle controls
- Measures applied throughout AI system development, deployment, and operation
References
- [1] ISO 42001 AI Management Systems Standard https://www.iso.org/standard/78380.html
- [2] ISO 27001 Information Security Management https://www.iso.org/standard/82875.html
Machine-readable Facts
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