What is the difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 42001?

Both ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 support risk management and organisational governance, however they focus on entirely different areas – information security (ISO/IEC 27001:2022) vs. AI management (ISO/IEC 42001:2023). Here’s a brief outline of the two standards and how they differ: ISO 27001 Focus – Information Security Management System (ISMS). Purpose – Protects information assets, focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Key elements – Risk assessment, security policies, access control. Application – Relevant to any organisation needing information security. ISO 42001 Focus – AI Management System (AIMS). Purpose – Manages ethical and responsible AI deployment. Key elements – Ethical AI use, AI-specific risk management, transparency. Application – Relevant to any organisation developing, providing or using AI technologies.

What is the ISO 42001 standard?

ISO 42001 helps organisations manage AI systems responsibly. It provides guidelines to handle AI-related risks, improve transparency, and build trust with stakeholders. The standard integrates AI governance with existing management processes, to help businesses that use AI to comply with ethical guidelines and legal requirements. Here is just one example of where ISO 42001 can be used – a financial services company might use ISO 42001 to oversee its AI credit scoring tools. By implementing the standard, the company is supported in creating fair and transparent AI systems, reducing the risk of biases in customer evaluations. Regular checks of AI systems can help identify and reduce risks, helping businesses comply with the law and maintain customer trust. This can improve AI reliability and demonstrate a commitment to ethical AI use.

What is the ISO 42001 standard policy?

In clause 4.3 of the ISO/IEC 42001 standard document, there is a specific mention of the requirement for organisations to establish an AI policy. This is crucial for providing direction and support while implementing a ISO 42001-compliant Artificial Intelligence Management System. The AI policy should: Align with the organisation’s purpose and support its goals Offer a framework for setting AI objectives Include commitments to meet requirements Commit to the continual improvement of the AIMS Creating a thorough AI policy allows organisations to demonstrate their leadership’s dedication, incorporate AI governance into their activities, and encourage responsible use of AI across the business.

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ISO 42001

The International Standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS)

ISO/IEC 42001 is the internationally recognised standard for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS). It helps organisations of all sizes manage the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence, and ensure AI technologies are developed, integrated, and used responsibly. Organisations can get certified in ISO 42001 to help strengthen governance, manage AI-related risks, and demonstrate a commitment to responsible and trustworthy use of artificial intelligence.

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To register your interest in ISO 42001 certification, please complete and submit the form below.

What Is an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS)?

An Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) is a structured way for an organisation to manage how artificial intelligence systems are designed, developed, deployed, and monitored. It includes policies, objectives, processes, and controls that guide decision-making and oversight across the AI lifecycle.

Its main aim is to help organisations manage AI-related risks, promote accountability and transparency, and ensure AI technologies are used in a responsible and controlled way.

An AIMS can help organisations manage risks such as bias, security issues, unintended outcomes, and misuse of AI, while supporting continual improvement in AI governance practices.

ISO 42001 is the most widely used standard for creating and improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System.

For information on the certification process for ISO 42001, and its requirements, visit our ISO 42001 certification web page.

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What Is ISO 42001?

ISO/IEC 42001 is an internationally recognised standard, that helps organisations create clear and consistent ways of working to govern and manage artificial intelligence. The standard sets out a systematic approach for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System.

By implementing ISO 42001, organisations of any size can work towards improving how they manage AI-related risks, strengthening governance and accountability, and ensuring responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Why ISO 42001 Matters

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in everyday business operations, it’s crucial that organisations use it in a way that is controlled, responsible, and trusted. ISO 42001 helps businesses bring clarity, ownership, and confidence to how AI is used – without slowing innovation.

Rather than blocking progress, ISO 42001 gives a clear and structured way to manage AI safely and effectively. It supports teams to use AI tools in ways that are transparent, ethical, and well-managed.

This matters more than ever:

The UK AI sector generated £23.9 billion in revenue in 2024, highlighting the scale of adoption and the need for formal governance systems to manage risk at scale
Shadow AI – where employees use AI tools without approval – affects around 50% of UK organisations, creating risks that governance frameworks like ISO 42001 are designed to reduce
Only 1% of UK business leaders believe their organisation has reached full AI maturity, and 73% of workers lack formal AI training– showing the need for stronger governance and clearer expectations

ISO 42001 provides a practical, evidence-based way to help organisations:

Strengthen governance and accountability for AI systems
Identify and manage AI-related risks and unintended outcomes
Improve transparency and oversight of how AI is used
Support responsible and ethical deployment of AI tools
Build trust with customers, regulators, and employees
Align AI practices with wider compliance and risk objectives

By introducing ISO 42001, organisations show they are taking control of their AI use – with a focus on continual improvement, not one-off compliance.

ISO 42001 reflects the growing need for organisations to demonstrate control, responsibility, and continual improvement in how AI is used.

As organisations increasingly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, it’s essential that AI systems are governed within a structured and auditable management system. ISO 42001 enables organisations to identify and manage AI-related risks, demonstrate accountability, and support responsible innovation. By aligning with this international standard, organisations can enhance transparency, meet stakeholder expectations, and build trust in how AI is developed and integrated.

Victoria Kliche

Product Scheme Manager

British Assessment Bureau

Who Is ISO 42001 For?

ISO 42001 can benefit any organisation that develops, deploys, or uses artificial intelligence as part of its operations.

It is used across sectors including, but not limited to:

Manufacturing
Healthcare
Construction
IT & technology
Logistics and transport
Food & beverage
Government and public services

Whether you are a small organisation experimenting with AI tools or a large enterprise deploying AI at scale, the standard can be implemented to suit your specific operations and objectives.

Key Benefits of ISO 42001

Implementing ISO 42001 could support organisations in achieving:

What Are the Key Requirements of
ISO 42001, and Why Do They Matter?

Context of the organisation

Businesses need a clear view of where AI is being used, what influences it (such as data sources, suppliers, or regulation), and where the biggest risks or impacts may arise.

Leadership

Senior management should actively support and oversee how AI is used, rather than leaving responsibility spread across individual teams or tools.

Planning

Organisations are expected to think ahead about AI risks and opportunities, set clear objectives, and put sensible guardrails in place early on.

Support

The right resources, skills, training, and documentation need to be available so AI systems are used consistently and responsibly across the business.

Operation

AI systems should be managed throughout their lifecycle, from design and deployment through to changes or retirement - to ensure they remain controlled and appropriate.

Performance evaluation

Regular checks are needed to confirm AI governance is working in practice and that systems are behaving as intended.

Improvement

AI governance should evolve over time, using lessons learned to strengthen controls and improve how AI is managed on an ongoing basis.

Together, these areas help build a reliable Artificial Intelligence Management System that supports responsible, transparent, and well-controlled use of AI.

How ISO 42001 Links to Other Standards

ISO 42001 aligns with other ISO management system standards through the Harmonised Structure. This makes it easier to integrate with standards such as:

This shared structure can help streamline compliance and reduce duplication for organisations implementing multiple standards.

ISO 42001 FAQs

What is the main purpose of ISO 42001?

What are the ultimate goals of ISO 42001?

What is an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS)?

Is ISO 42001 required by law?

Which industries use ISO 42001?

What is an ISO 42001 certified company?

Can small businesses use ISO 42001?

Can ISO 42001 integrate with other standards?

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ISO 42001