Proof, not promises: Sendbird's ISO 42001 certification for secure AI
Trust is the foundation of everything we build at Sendbird, and trust in AI is no different. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into modern products, it’s not just about what AI can do, but how responsibly it’s governed.
Demonstrating this commitment to responsible governance isn't just a goal, it's a core part of our security mission. That’s why we’re proud to share that Sendbird is now ISO 42001 certified – one of the world’s first international standards dedicated to the governance of artificial intelligence systems.
But the real story isn’t just about the certificate on the wall. It’s about what this means for our security program, for the companies that rely on our platform, and for the future of responsible innovation.
What is ISO 42001, and why now?
Unlike traditional standards that focus on general compliance or data privacy certifications, ISO 42001 focuses on how AI systems are managed. From data usage to model behavior, risk assessments, and explainability, it covers key areas like:
AI governance and oversight: Establishing clear lines of responsibility and accountability for AI systems.
Risk assessments tailored for AI: Identifying and mitigating risks unique to AI, such as model bias, data drift, or unintended outcomes.
Human oversight and decision-making: Ensuring that humans remain in control of critical decisions and can intervene when necessary.
Transparency and data handling: Formally documenting how AI systems work, how they are trained, and how they process data.
In short: ISO 42001 is about making sure we govern AI as carefully as we build it. And for us, that matters deeply.
Beyond compliance: Our strategic case for ISO 42001
We're not an LLM company. We're an AI SaaS provider enabling developers to build AI-powered agents that enhance conversations, automate support, and drive better engagement between users and the services. That comes with a unique set of responsibilities, and opportunities.
At Sendbird, security is deeply embedded in our company DNA. We’ve always treated it as a foundational component, not an afterthought. We pursued ISO 42001 for three core reasons:
To strengthen trust with customers navigating the AI era
To stay ahead of fast-changing global AI regulations
To align teams internally around a clear, scalable governance mode
We wanted an objective signal that our approach to AI was grounded in real accountability and that we could prove it.
Built on a foundation of security, not just compliance
Our path to ISO 42001 certification was rapid for a simple reason: we’ve always pursued security first, with compliance as the natural outcome.
For years, our security program has been built around robust risk management, data governance, and incident response – not just checking boxes for an audit. Our existing certifications, like ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type 2, and our adherence to HIPAA and GDPR, aren't the goal of our program, they are the validation of it.
This security-first foundation gave us the baseline we needed. We already had mature controls for everything from access management and encryption to vendor risk management and incident response.
Because this comprehensive framework was already in place, we didn't need to start from scratch to govern AI. ISO 42001 wasn't about reinventing our security program. It was about extending our proven management system to address the new, specific risks of AI like model behavior, autonomous agents, and decision transparency.
We were ready for this next step because we were evolving a mature program, not building one from the ground up.
Strengthening our framework for responsible AI
To meet ISO 42001's expectations, we introduced several new programs and structures tailored for our AI agent model:
AI Impact Assessments (AIIA) to evaluate risks around autonomy, explainability, and fairness
AI Risk Management procedure and policies, building on our enterprise risk framework to address AI-specific challenges like continuous learning and decision transparency
An AIMS Policy (Artificial Intelligence Management System) and a dedicated AIMS owner that formalizes how we build, operate, and monitor AI systems
A dedicated AI Governance Committee bringing together product, engineering, legal, and GRC leaders for structured oversight
These aren’t one-time checkboxes. They’re now part of how we design and ship AI features that interact with your users.
When you're building AI agents with Sendbird, ISO 42001 reinforces that your data is protected by a comprehensive, externally verified security and governance program. Our AI systems are designed with accountability in mind, including how they’re evaluated, deployed, and continuously improved.
You can rely on our transparent and responsible practices. It also means you’re gaining a partner prepared not just for today’s compliance landscape but aligned with the rapidly evolving world of AI regulation. Most importantly, you can build with confidence, knowing the intelligence layer powering your experiences is held to the same standard of trust as the rest of our infrastructure.
Leading the way in responsible AI
ISO 42001 isn't a finish line for us; it's a foundation for our ongoing commitment to lead in responsible AI. We're not just adopting standards – we aim to help set them. Our work continues by:
Continuously validating our program through rigorous internal audits and independent external reviews.
Extending our comprehensive risk management to the entire AI supply chain, including all third-party tools and models.
Deepening our internal expertise with advanced training and operational playbooks on responsible AI development.
Leading the industry conversation by transparently sharing our governance models, lessons learned, and best practices.
AI is changing how we build, communicate, and interact with the world. With ISO 42001, we’re doubling down on our belief that innovation must be matched by integrity. We're excited to continue building secure, scalable AI experiences, and to do it in a way you can trust.
Want to learn more about how we govern AI at Sendbird? Visit our Trust Center or reach out to our team (security@sendbird.com).
