The conversation around AI regulation is no longer just a theoretical one about projecting what’s coming. Governments around the world are moving forward, putting regulations in place for how companies build, deploy, and monitor the use of artificial intelligence. If your company uses AI and you haven’t taken a close look at how your internal practices hold up under these new expectations, now is the time.
Regulators may not name ISO 42001 directly, but they’re watching for the signs that your company has made a genuine effort to build AI systems that are responsible, well-documented, and thoughtfully managed. Keeping up with the competition will require smart, modern companies to proactively implement and manage their own AI applications in ways that satisfy these regulations and showcase trustworthy certification efforts to set themselves apart from (or keep up with) the competition.
Tracking International Regulatory Changes
In the EU, lawmakers finalized the groundbreaking EU AI Act, which is already setting the tone for global regulation. It breaks down AI systems by risk level and introduces rules for companies using or offering “high-risk” applications (things like healthcare decision tools, biometric ID systems, or credit evaluations). These systems now need real guardrails, including human oversight, transparency measures, and a record of what data went into the model and why.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., agencies are taking their own approach. The NIST AI Risk Management Framework came out over two years ago with guidance that’s voluntary for now, but is gaining traction fast across industries. It’s already influencing how the government evaluates vendors and could easily become a blueprint for broader regulation. The framework emphasizes safety, accountability, and clear documentation across the AI lifecycle.
Neither the AI Act nor the NIST Framework requires a specific certification. But we’ve seen in the past that government agencies will look for certain certifications that showcase a company’s commitment to meeting basic and growing industry standards. When governments ask for “reasonable measures” or “documented controls,” they’re often looking for something exactly like ISO 42001. That’s what has happened with ISO 27001 and data security. It wasn’t written into law, but it became the gold standard for proving you had your house in order. We’re watching that same shift happen again with AI.
Implementing Trustworthy AI Practices Inside Your Organization
Getting certified under ISO 42001 involves building a system that reflects how your business actually uses AI. That means having a process for evaluating risk, monitoring outcomes, and making sure the right people are at the controls. It also means being able to explain what your AI is doing, both inside the company and to the people who are affected by it.
A lot of companies talk about responsible AI, but few have the structure to back it up. ISO 42001 gives you a way to put those values into practice. You don’t need a massive team or months of paperwork. You need a clear approach and a partner who can help you move quickly. That’s where we come in.
Rapid Compliance to Meet the Current and Future Landscape of Responsible AI Use
At Decrypt Compliance, we’ve helped startups and established companies achieve and audit these certifications without slowing down their release schedules or turning over the entire business. We know how tech moves, and we’re not here to get in your way. We’re here to give you the tools to build something solid, so you’re not scrambling later when an investor, customer, or regulator starts asking questions.
AI regulation will only continue to expand around these initial efforts. Aligning your systems with ISO 42001 now prepares you for whatever comes next. Whether you’re refining AI features or planning for a broader rollout, it’s the right time to get your program in shape. Contact Decrypt Compliance, and we’ll help you achieve compliance at the ready.
