Standards Comparison

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    Voluntary
    2023

    International standard for AI management systems

    VS

    ISO 27701

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for privacy information management systems

    Quick Verdict

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 governs AI risks via AIMS for ethical innovation, while ISO 27701 manages PII privacy through PIMS for regulatory compliance. Companies adopt 42001 for trustworthy AI trust and 27701 for data protection accountability.

    AI Management

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Artificial intelligence — Management system

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Establishes AI Management System using PDCA cycle
    • Mandates AI Impact Assessments for high-risk systems
    • Annex A with 38 AI-specific controls
    • High-Level Structure integrates with ISO 27001
    • Manages full AI lifecycle risks and opportunities
    Privacy Management

    ISO 27701

    ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management System

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Stand-alone PIMS for PII controllers and processors
    • Role-specific privacy controls in Annex A/B
    • Aligned with ISO 27001:2022 PDCA cycle
    • GDPR and regulatory compliance mappings
    • Risk-based DPIAs and data subject rights

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 — Artificial intelligence — Management system is the world's first international certification standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). It uses a risk-based PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) methodology to govern AI responsibly across the full lifecycle, applicable to any organization as AI developer, provider, producer, or user.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
    • Annex A lists 38 AI-specific controls for risks like bias, transparency, and resiliency.
    • Built on High-Level Structure (HLS/Annex SL) for integration with ISO 9001/27001.
    • Third-party certification via accredited auditors, with 3-year validity and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives ethical AI, regulatory alignment (e.g., EU AI Act), risk mitigation, and innovation. Enhances trust, procurement advantages, insurance savings, and competitive differentiation in AI ecosystems.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased gap analysis, AIIAs, training, and tools like ISMS.online. Suited for all sizes/sectors; typical 6-12 months with existing ISO systems accelerating via 64% overlap.

    ISO 27701 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends ISO/IEC 27001 with privacy-focused guidance for managing personally identifiable information (PII) across its lifecycle, emphasizing accountability for PII controllers and processors via a risk-based, PDCA approach.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • Annex A/B: Role-specific controls (controllers/processors) on consent, rights, transfers.
    • Mappings to GDPR (Annex D), ISO 27002.
    • Certification: 3-year cycle with surveillance audits.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets global privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA), reduces fines/reputational risk.
    • Builds trust, aids procurement, harmonizes compliance.
    • Enables data minimization, breach preparedness, competitive differentiation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased **PDCAScope/PII inventory, gap analysis, controls, audits.
    • Suits all sizes/sectors handling PII; integrates with ISMS.
    • ~6-12 months typical; certification via accredited bodies recommended.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    AI lifecycle governance and risks
    ISO 27701
    PII privacy management and controls

    Industry

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    All sectors using AI globally
    ISO 27701
    All sectors processing PII globally

    Nature

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Voluntary AIMS certification standard
    ISO 27701
    Voluntary PIMS certification standard

    Testing

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Third-party audits, AIIAs, metrics
    ISO 27701
    Third-party audits, DPIAs, DSARs

    Penalties

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023
    Loss of certification, no fines
    ISO 27701
    Loss of certification, no fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO/IEC 42001:2023 and ISO 27701

    ISO/IEC 42001:2023 FAQ

    ISO 27701 FAQ

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