ISO 42001 - AI Systems
Is ISO 42001 a mandatory standard everyone should follow? Or is it more along the lines of an “optional” regulation that follows AI management systems? Neither of the two. At ISO Pros, we have been asked quite often why people should be relying on ISO 42001 or if they should be worried about it, but more than a general “yes” or “no”, we want to make sure you understand what it entails.
First, it is mandatory, but it isn’t for everyone. Since ISO 42001 is focused on AI systems and management of those, you don’t need it unless you are working with an entire AI tool that aims for decision-making, data collection, or certain tasks within your company. However, be it minimal or massive use, you will have to implement it for accountability and explainability as well as ethical and responsible use.
Second, it isn’t optional, as you know at this point. Therefore, you have to implement it and comply with all regulations to get certified afterwards. Otherwise, you will be forced to stop using your AI systems or having to go over the entire process again so that certification is fulfilled.
Finally, you shouldn’t see ISO 42001 as an enemy. In fact, no standard is an enemy once you realize all the guidelines and benefits they bring with them. For instance, this AI management system standard allows you to build your structured framework, which offers more control, client trust, and having a fast-developing AI system.
Therefore, take the time to understand what you have at hand and how our professionals can be the key to implementing it all without losing sleep or money in the process.
Do Small Companies Have to Implement ISO 42001?
As mentioned before, those having to implement it are the companies that have an AI system or use AI as a tool, and this is whether they rely heavily on it or not.
If you are a small company that meets with the demands and mandatory aspects of implementing ISO 42001, then you have to proceed and be compliant with the etire standard.
For companies that are still considering the idea of implementing AI tools and building a system, you will have to bring those considerations and adapt them to the regulations. Otherwise, you will be forced to make changes only for compliance.
Businesses in any industry that are starting their AI systems at the same time as ISO 42001 have certain advantage and, of course, implementation and combination in this case are natural.
The advantages are along the lines of having more control over the process and how you are building your framework. Since starting with ISO 42001 guidelines proposes an opportunity to have a roadmap of what to do, you find your process easier and more approachable.
If you are still unsure whether your company can ignore ISO 42001 or still needs to comply, feel free to contact us. We offer free consultation and internal assessment can be provided once all the steps or idea have been defined.