Which standard is described as a voluntary framework focusing on ethical use, transparency, and accountability in AI governance?

• A. ISO/IEC 42001
• B. ISO/IEC 23053
• C. OECD AI Principles
• D. NIST RMF

Answer: (A)

The question is testing recognition of a formal standard that provides a voluntary governance framework for AI focused on ethics, transparency, and accountability. The standard that fits this description is a management-system standard specifically for AI governance. It offers a structured, auditable approach organizations can adopt to ensure responsible AI use, with clear policies, governance roles, and controls that promote ethical practices, transparency in how AI decisions are made, and accountability for outcomes. Being voluntary, it’s intended to be adopted and possibly certified against, rather than mandated.

Why the other options aren’t the best fit: guidelines like OECD AI Principles set high-level ethical expectations but are not a formal standard with a governance management system and certification path. The NIST RMF is a risk-management framework for information systems in general, not tailored to AI governance. ISO/IEC 23053 provides an overview of AI standardization rather than a governance framework.