Allocating Responsibilities
Ensure responsibilities for AI systems are clearly assigned to all relevant parties.
Plain language
If you are using AI in your business, it's essential to clearly decide who is responsible for what when it comes to managing these AI systems. This prevents confusion and ensures that the right people address issues, such as an AI giving customers incorrect product suggestions.
Framework
ISO/IEC 42001:2023
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
N/A
Official last update
01 Dec 2023
Control Stack last updated
19 May 2026
Maturity levels
N/A
Official control statement
The organisation shall ensure that responsibilities within their AI system life cycle are allocated between the organisation, its partners, suppliers, customers and third parties.
Why it matters
If roles are unclear, nobody may take action when the AI misbehaves, like giving false information, harming customer trust and legal compliance.
Operational notes
Update accountability assignments whenever there's a change in AI systems or team roles, not just during yearly reviews.
Implementation tips
- The person in charge of your AI (AI lead) should map out the AI system's entire lifecycle, from creation to operation. They can use a simple flowchart to show who's responsible at each stage, so everyone knows their roles.
- The procurement team, when buying AI tools or services, should ensure that contracts clearly state who is responsible if the AI fails. This can be a straightforward clause specifying liability, referencing applicable laws like the EU AI Act.
- The product owner must work closely with partners and suppliers to define their roles, especially if the AI affects customer experience. A one-page document explaining each party’s responsibility can help maintain service quality.
- Data stewards should keep records of data sources and changes over time, which is important if something goes wrong. A simple log in a spreadsheet listing data engagements and updates can suffice as proof of where problems may arise.
- The head of risk should oversee annual reviews of responsibilities along with other AI governance processes. They can create a checklist to ensure all responsible parties are still capable and prepared to manage risks associated with AI.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskShow the AI responsibility map or flowchart. GoodRoles and responsibilities are clearly defined for each stage of the AI lifecycle.
- AskRequest a sample supplier contract. GoodContracts clearly specify responsibility and liability in case of AI failure.
- AskLook at the document outlining responsibilities with partners and suppliers. GoodThe document specifies roles impacting customer experience and aligns with service agreements.
- AskView the data provenance log. GoodData logs track source and changes effectively, helping trace back issues to origins.
- AskCheck the risk management checklist concerning AI responsibilities. GoodReviews ensure all responsible parties are accountable and processes are up-to-date.
Cross-framework mappings
How Annex A 10.2 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| handshake Supports (2) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 5.19 | Annex A 10.2 requires the organisation to allocate responsibilities across the AI system life cycle among internal and external parties | |
| Annex A 5.20 | Annex A 10.2 requires clear allocation of responsibilities across the AI system life cycle, including with suppliers and other third parties | |
ASD ISM
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (1) expand_less | ||
| ISM-1569 | Annex A 10.2 requires the organisation to allocate responsibilities across the AI system life cycle between the organisation and external... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
Want to implement this AI control?
Mindset Cyber runs PECB-accredited ISO/IEC 42001 training that maps directly to the AI controls in this library.