Artificial intelligence (AI) has long since found its way into our everyday lives – from recommendation systems and chatbots to decision-making processes in companies. With this development, the need for clear guidelines for the safe and ethical use of AI is also growing. The EU AI Act is the world’s first comprehensive regulation for AI and is intended to steer these technologies responsibly in Europe. In addition, the ISO/IEC 42001 standard provides a framework for AI management systems that supports companies in implementing and optimizing their AI processes.
The EU AI Act: A guide to AI regulation
With the entry into force of the EU AI Act on August 1, 2024, the EU is setting new standards for dealing with AI. The regulation takes a risk-based approach and divides AI systems into three categories:
Prohibited applications: AI systems that violate fundamental rights or enable targeted manipulation are prohibited (e.g. social scoring or covert biometric surveillance).
High-risk systems: Applications in sensitive areas such as health, education or law enforcement must meet strict requirements for transparency, data quality and monitoring.
Low risk: Moderate transparency requirements apply to low-risk applications, such as the labeling of AI-generated content.
Companies are obliged to document, test and certify their AI systems in order to meet the new requirements. The first regulations will come into force in February 2025, with more to follow by August 2026.
The role of formalized AI management systems
While the EU AI Act provides the regulatory framework, it does not clarify all the details of practical implementation. This is where the ISO/IEC 42001 standard comes in, defining clear processes and responsibilities for the development and operation of AI systems. The advantages of a formal AI management system include
Risk detection: Early identification of distortions, security gaps and data risks.
Transparency: Clear presentation of decision-making processes and control mechanisms.
Compliance: Ensuring that ethical and legal requirements are adhered to.
ISO 42001: A model for comprehensive AI management
Similar to ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 42001 creates a framework for the responsible handling of both the development and operation of AI systems.
Risk management: Analysis of technical, organizational and legal risks.
Documentation: Complete records and regular audits for internal control and external verification.
Continuous improvement: Mechanisms for the long-term optimization of AI systems.
Ethics and values: Integrating ethical principles and compliance requirements into the corporate strategy.
Conclusion
The EU AI Act marks a significant step in the European regulation of artificial intelligence and obliges companies to place their AI applications on a solid compliance foundation. Especially in combination with ISO 42001, which provides for a comprehensive AI management system, companies can implement both legal requirements and organizational requirements systematically and securely.
Those who deal with the new regulations and standards promptly will benefit in the long term from greater transparency, clearly defined risk management and a strong basis of trust – both towards customers and towards authorities and business partners.
How cybrius can support you
As a specialist in cybersecurity, AI and compliance, cybrius supports companies in meeting the requirements of the EU AI Act and establishing sustainable management systems in accordance with ISO 42001. Whether in risk analysis, process optimization or the implementation of specific compliance measures: We support you with our expertise so that you can exploit the opportunities of AI safely and responsibly.
Feel free to contact us to find out more about our services and consulting offers. Together, we will ensure that AI is used in your company in a way that is not only technically innovative, but also safe, legal and ethical.