A standard and quality certification for artificial intelligence

Building trust. As artificial intelligence-based tools become increasingly widespread around the world and invade our daily lives, the fears associated with these new technologies are anything but virtual. Addressing these concerns is the focus of ISO/IEC 42001, a voluntary international standard recently published in the AFNOR Editions collection under the title ISO/IEC 42001 (the prefix IEC stands for International Electrotechnical Commission). This is clearly a matter of voluntary standardization, not regulation as outlined in the European AI Act, even though the two go hand in hand.

"One of the principles set out in the standard is to ensure that humans always retain control over machines," explains Paul Houzé, head of standardization at Microsoft and member of the standardization committee French standard led by AFNOR. The text is based on the model of management systems that are the strength of ISO (including the famous ISO 9001 on quality management, editor's note), with a structure that takes into account the requirements of all stakeholders, risks, and modularity. ISO/IEC 42001 can be adapted to all contexts and future innovations."

ISO/IEC 42001: certification at stake

Depending on whether it is intended for industrial, military, or commercial use, artificial intelligence takes on radically different forms. Applicable to these different situations, the framework nevertheless sets out general principles regarding data protection, the specification of information used to "feed" AI, its robustness, but also its transparency and explainability. It is up to each player to adapt these principles to their own needs and specificities. AFNOR Compétences training is now available. to improve oneself.

"This is a certifiable standard. Independent auditors will therefore be required to verify the designer's practices before awarding a mark of recognition, which will prove to all stakeholders (partners, legislators, customers, etc.) that the established principles have been complied with. It is a tool that will build trust between market players," adds Paul Houzé. "The spirit of the certification is similar to that of quality certification for medical devices," continues Brice Gilbert, who prepared the marketing of this AFAQ certification at AFNOR Certification. "Organizations that obtain ISO 42001 certification demonstrate their commitment to managing artificial intelligence in an ethical and responsible manner," adds Mame Astou Ndiaye, who assisted Gilbert in this work. Another objective is to prevent abuses and regulate a sector that has been booming in recent years. You can already request a certification audit .

Supporting innovation with standards

At the same time, countries are arming themselves and legislating. The legal framework will soon be tightened, particularly in France. But ISO/IEC 42001 is anticipating this. "The standard is designed to adapt to future regulatory requirements, regardless of the country. That is the strength of the management system, which provides a framework without restricting," comments Paul Houzé. While AI is experiencing rapid development, the aim of the standard is not to prevent innovation, but rather to support it by establishing shared principles that are agreed upon and pave the way forward." Read more on this topic the forum of a group of professionals in favor of risk-based regulation of AI , including Patrick Bézombes, president of the AFNOR standardization commission, Laurence Devillers, professor at the Sorbonne and member of this commission, and Franck Lebeugle, head of standardization activities at AFNOR.

As with any certifiable standard based on an NF standard, the certificate will be valid for three years, with follow-up and renewal audits. ISO/IEC 42001 could quickly become essential for reassuring users and, more generally, a society concerned about the place of technology and machines. Or how to make AI a tool for progress... and not for enslavement to obscure algorithms.

You can also consult our dossier on artificial intelligence.