COBIT
Framework for enterprise IT governance and management
EU AI Act
EU regulation for risk-based AI safety and governance
Quick Verdict
COBIT provides flexible I&T governance frameworks globally, while EU AI Act mandates risk-based compliance for AI systems in EU. Companies use COBIT for enterprise alignment and EU AI Act to meet legal obligations, ensuring safe AI deployment.
COBIT
COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives
Key Features
- Tailored governance system via 11 design factors
- 40 objectives across 5 domains (EDM, APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
- CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 for performance management
- Explicit separation of governance from management
- Goals cascade aligning stakeholder needs to objectives
EU AI Act
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 Artificial Intelligence Act
Key Features
- Risk-based classification into four AI risk tiers
- Prohibitions on unacceptable-risk AI practices
- High-risk conformity assessment and CE marking
- GPAI model transparency and systemic risk duties
- Post-market monitoring and incident reporting
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
COBIT Details
What It Is
COBIT 2019 is an ISACA framework for enterprise governance and management of information and technology (EGIT). It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored, risk-optimized approach using design factors and goals cascade.
Key Components
- 40 governance and management objectives grouped in 5 domains: EDM (governance), APO (strategy), BAI (delivery), DSS (operations), MEA (assurance).
- 6 governance system principles and 7 components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
- CMMI-based performance management with capability levels 0-5.
- No formal certification; uses capability assessments and audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Aligns I&T with business value, optimizes resources, manages risks.
- Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR) via mappings.
- Builds assurance, stakeholder trust; enables digital transformation.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: assess gaps, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, measure MEA.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; training (Foundation, Design) essential.
EU AI Act Details
What It Is
Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, is a comprehensive horizontal regulation establishing the first EU-wide framework for AI. It adopts a risk-based approach, prohibiting unacceptable-risk practices, imposing strict obligations on high-risk systems, transparency for limited-risk, and minimal rules for others. Scope covers AI providers, deployers, and value chain actors with extraterritorial reach.
Key Components
- **Four risk tiersunacceptable (bans, Article 5), high-risk (Annex I/III, Articles 6-15), limited-risk (transparency, Article 50), minimal-risk.
- Core requirements: risk management, data governance, documentation, human oversight, cybersecurity.
- GPAI models (Chapter V) with systemic risk duties.
- Conformity assessment, CE marking, EU database registration; hybrid enforcement via AI Office and national authorities.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for EU market access; mitigates fines up to 7% global turnover. Enhances trust, safety, competitiveness; integrates with GDPR/NIS2 for risk management.
Implementation Overview
Phased rollout (6-36 months); inventory/classify AI, build compliance systems (QMS, RMS), conduct assessments. Applies to all sizes/industries using AI in EU; requires audits, no central certification but notified bodies for high-risk.
Key Differences
| Aspect | COBIT | EU AI Act |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise I&T governance and management | Risk-based AI systems regulation |
| Industry | All industries worldwide | All sectors in EU |
| Nature | Voluntary governance framework | Mandatory EU regulation |
| Testing | Capability/maturity assessments | Conformity assessments/notified bodies |
| Penalties | No legal penalties | Fines up to 7% global turnover |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COBIT and EU AI Act
COBIT FAQ
EU AI Act FAQ
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