Cognizant and Integral Ad Science have recently made headlines by becoming early adopters of the newly established ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, which addresses artificial intelligence management systems. This groundbreaking certification is the first of its kind internationally, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical practices in AI development.
ISO/IEC 42001 provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to manage AI-related risks and opportunities throughout the AI system lifecycle, thereby ensuring the responsible development and deployment of AI solutions. Cognizant, which has positioned itself as the first global IT service company to receive this certification from DNV, indicates its strong commitment to ethical AI practices. “We are honored to receive the first ISO/IEC 42001:2023 accredited certification in our industry,” stated Ravi Kumar S, CEO at Cognizant. “Businesses demand partners who align with their values and sustainability goals. This certification solidifies our role as trusted leaders” in the shift toward ethical digital transformations.
Integral Ad Science (IAS) has followed closely behind, also achieving this certification, adding to its credentials as the first measurement provider to do so. The scope of IAS's certification particularly focuses on its Quality Attention product, which leverages AI to optimize advertising performance. Kevin Alvero, Chief Compliance Officer at IAS, affirmed, "ISO 42001 is a groundbreaking standard, and as we continue to use artificial intelligence to provide the most actionable data to our customers, we are proud to be at the forefront of responsible AI."
Both companies have demonstrated their dedication to governance frameworks, which are becoming increasingly necessary as AI adoption widens. According to recent research from Cognizant and Oxford Economics, 76% of businesses plan to leverage AI for new revenue streams, underscoring the significance of implementing responsible AI strategies.
The ISO 42001:2023 certification not only validates the internal strategies of companies like Cognizant and IAS but also reflects their collective commitment to ethical standards. The certification process encompasses various aspects such as AI governance, risk management, data privacy, and the responsible development of AI technologies. This level of rigor helps organizations address concerns around fairness, human rights, and ethical use of AI, which are becoming hot-button issues as technology evolves.
Cognizant’s path to achieving the ISO certification involved extensive collaboration across all departments, including marketing, IT, legal, and customer service, to integrate responsible AI practices company-wide. This systematic approach helps to mitigate risks associated with AI and ensures consistent governance across all client engagements. “The fact now is there for all to see, Cognizant has set itself apart as the first global IT player to achieve this, inspiring others to pursue similar paths of governance,” remarked Barbara Frencia, CEO of Business Assurance at DNV.
Integral Ad Science’s achievement complements its previous ISO 27001:2022 certification for information security management, reinforcing its commitment to high operational standards as well as responsible AI integrity. By processing upwards of 280 billion interactions daily, IAS utilizes AI for various purposes including decision-making and targeted advertising, taking care to honor consumer data privacy and ethical guidelines.
Industry experts believe the early adoption of ISO 42001:2023 will provide distinctive advantages to companies by establishing their credibility and leadership positions within the AI sector. This certification not only assures clients of responsible AI but also strengthens the competitive advantage for organizations well-versed in adherence to such frameworks. It could potentially lead to enhanced revenue streams as companies increasingly pursue partnerships based on trust and ethical standards.
The global standardization of AI practices provided by ISO 42001:2023 could immensely benefit industries by improving operational efficiencies and bolstering public trust. Organizations embracing these practices may find themselves at the forefront of innovation, setting the stage for long-term success and sustainability.
Cognizant and IAS, through their early adoption of ISO 42001, have positioned themselves as leaders prepared for future challenges within the AI ecosystem. It remains to be seen how other industry players will respond and whether they will follow suit to achieve similar certifications.
With AI's role continuing to expand across various sectors, the need for stringent governance frameworks is more pressing than ever. The steps taken by Cognizant and IAS exemplify how companies can navigate the complex terrain of AI implementation responsibly, ensuring they align with societal values and expectations.
