Ethics, Standards & Assurance Frameworks

Definition

The technical and procedural mechanisms through which AI systems demonstrate compliance with laws, standards and ethical principles. Includes the development and adoption of national or international AI principles, standards, certification schemes and assurance testing capabilities.

Examples

• Australia's AI Ethics Principles
• ISO/IEC 42001, Info tech - AI
• National Institute of Standards and Technology AI Risk Management Framework
• United Kingdom AI Standard Hub
• EU AI Act Conformity Assessment Regime
• Voluntary AI Safety Standard (NAIC)
• FAIR and CARE Principles (see also 2.1 Commitment to Indigenous Data Sovereignty).

Indicators

• Domestic regulations or guidelines citing AI standards
• Presence of national standards body
• Sectoral adoption rate
• Availability of accredited AI testing, audit or certification facilities

Stocktake

• Australia's AI Ethics Principles. Department of Industry, Science and Resources. 2019. Updated 11 October 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/australias-artificial-intelligence-ethics-principles

• AS ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Introduction to Standards for Artificial Intelligence. Standards Australia. May 2023. https://www.standards.org.au/documents/introduction-to-standards-for-artificial-intelligence?utm_medium=LP&utm_source=standards.org.au&utm_campaign=AI-landing-page-intro-ai-report-sept-2024

• Voluntary AI Safety Standard. Department of Industry, Science and Resources; National AI Centre; CSIRO. August 2024. https://www.industry.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-09/voluntary-ai-safety-standard.pdf

• NSW Artificial Intelligence Assessment framework and assurance approach. NSW Government. Accessed October 2025. https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/artificial-intelligence/nsw-artificial-intelligence-assessment-framework

• Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artifical Intelligence: A Global Study 2025. Australian Insights. KPMG, University of Melbourne. https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/au/pdf/2025/trust-in-ai-global-insights-2025-australia-snapshot.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf