ISO 42001:2023 Annex A & Annex B Control 2.4 Review of the AI policy
Explaining ISO 42001:2023 Annex A & Annex B Control 2.4 Review of the AI policy
Control A.2.4 / Control B.2.4 of ISO 42001 focuses on ensuring that an organization's AI policy remains suitable, adequate, and effective over time. This control mandates periodic reviews and updates to the AI policy, driven by changes in organizational, legal, technical, or business environments.
Control
- The Al policy shall be reviewed at planned intervals or additionally as needed to ensure its continuing suitability, adequacy and effectiveness.
ISO 42001:2023 Annex A.2
- Policies Related to AI
ISO 42001:2023 Annex B.2
- Policies related to AI
ISO 42001:2023 Annex A.2.1 Objective
- To provide management direction and support for Al systems according to business requirements.
ISO 42001:2023 Annex B.2.1 Objective
- To provide management direction and support for Al systems according to business requirements.
Table of Contents
1. Objective of Control A.2.4/B.2.4
Your goal here is crystal clear: ensure your AI policy stays fit for purpose as your business grows and the AI landscape shifts. It’s about using your AI policy to stay ahead of risks, grab opportunities, and maintain trust with your stakeholders.
2. Purpose of Control A.2.4/B.2.4
Control 2.4 is about adaptability. AI systems don’t exist in a vacuum—they interact with dynamic environments, laws, and technologies. The purpose of this control is to make your AI policy a robust yet flexible framework that adapts to these changes.
3. How to Review Your AI Policy Effectively
1. Plan Regular Reviews (and Be Ready for the Unexpected)
Your AI policy should be reviewed at planned intervals—annually, quarterly, or whatever makes sense for your organization. But life is unpredictable. A new law, a critical incident, or a major AI update? Those are your triggers for an immediate review.
2. Bring the Right People to the Table
A successful review process starts with assigning clear roles. Management-approved individuals—like your AI governance officer or compliance lead—should drive the review process. These are your policy champions, ensuring that reviews are thorough and actionable.
3. Evaluate What Matters
Here’s what you’re looking for during a review:
- Suitability: Does the policy align with your organization’s current objectives and values?
- Adequacy: Are you addressing all critical risks and compliance areas?
- Effectiveness: Is the policy doing what it’s supposed to—guiding your AI strategy and reducing risks?
4. Key Inputs for an AI Policy Review
Your review shouldn’t happen in a vacuum. Pull insights from:
- Management Reviews: What feedback or outcomes have surfaced in strategic meetings?
- Incident Reports: Have there been issues with your AI systems that need addressing?
- Stakeholder Feedback: What are your employees, partners, or customers saying about your AI practices?
- Regulatory Changes: Any new laws or standards to consider?
5. Tips for Improving Your AI Policy
AI policy reviews aren’t just about fixing issues—they’re about leveling up. Use your findings to:
- Integrate the latest AI governance trends, like ethical AI frameworks or risk-based approaches.
- Address gaps in your policy by considering real-world incidents or feedback.
- Enhance communication strategies to ensure everyone in your organization understands and follows the policy.
6. Challenges You Might Face (and How to Overcome Them)
Challenge 1: Keeping Up with AI’s Rapid Pace
AI evolves fast, and it’s easy to fall behind. To stay ahead, engage with cross-functional teams that include technical experts, legal advisors, and business strategists.
Challenge 2: Balancing Stakeholder Interests
Different groups have different expectations of your AI policy. Use stakeholder feedback early in the review process to strike the right balance between innovation, compliance, and ethics.
7. Connecting Control 2.4 to ISO 42001 Goals
Control 2.4 is part of the bigger ISO 42001 picture. By incorporating management reviews and aligning with other controls (like risk management or continuous improvement), your AI governance becomes a well-oiled machine, not a fragmented checklist.
8. Take the Next Step: Build an AI Policy Review Toolkit
- Create a Checklist: Include all the key areas—suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness.
- Set a Schedule: Establish a review calendar and stick to it.
- Use Technology: AI governance tools can simplify data gathering and analysis during reviews.