AI Audits
Audits are a cornerstone of AI compliance. Regulators, customers, and partners increasingly demand proof that AI systems are safe, fair, and accountable. An AI audit combines technical evaluation with governance review to verify that systems meet regulatory and ethical requirements.
For enterprises, audits serve two functions:
- Regulatory compliance - demonstrating conformity with laws and standards (EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001).
- Trust-building - providing transparency to customers, investors, and stakeholders./li>
Types of AI Audits
AI audits fall into several categories depending on the risk tier and intended purpose.
| Audit Type | Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Audit | Verify conformity with laws and directives | EU AI Act high-risk system audits, FDA clinical AI reviews |
| Ethical Audit | Assess fairness, bias, and human rights impacts | Algorithmic fairness audits, human rights impact assessments |
| Technical Audit | Review system architecture, robustness, and performance | Penetration tests, adversarial robustness checks |
| Operational Audit | Evaluate governance and oversight processes | Review of escalation procedures, override protocols |
| Independent Third-Party Audit | External verification of claims and compliance | ISO/IEC 42001 certification audits, NIST RMF compliance validation |
Audit Lifecycle
An AI audit should be integrated across the full system lifecycle, not treated as a one-time checkbox exercise.
- Pre-Deployment - review design, training data, documentation, and risk register
- Deployment - assess conformity assessments, transparency statements, and monitoring plans/li>
- Post-Market - continuous surveillance audits, incident log reviews, periodic re-certification/li>
Audit Deliverables
Enterprises are increasingly outsourcing AI audits or purchasing audit packs.
| Deliverable | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Checklist | Structured checklist aligned to EU AI Act, NIST RMF, or ISO/IEC 42001 | Accelerates compliance reviews, standardizes process |
| Gap Analysis Report | Identifies missing controls or weak governance areas | Clear remediation roadmap for executives |
| Bias & Fairness Audit | Evaluates model for disparate impact and fairness criteria | Demonstrates ethical compliance, reduces liability risk |
| Audit Log Review | Assesses traceability and accuracy of system logging | Ensures accountability and regulator readiness |
| Certification Pack | Bundle of documentation for third-party or regulator audits | Audit-ready submission for certification or approvals |
Cross-Sector Audit Examples
Audits vary widely depending on the industry.
| Sector | Audit Focus | Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Safety, clinical validation, bias in diagnostics | FDA, MDR (EU) |
| Finance | Fair lending, algorithmic transparency | SEC, Basel III, state bias audit laws |
| Mobility & Transport | Safety assurance for robotaxis and AVs | UNECE, DOT, EU AI Act |
| Employment & HR | Bias audits of hiring tools and promotion systems | NYC Local Law 144, EEOC |