SOC 2 for AI startups
For AI companies, SOC 2 still covers baseline security. ISO/IEC 42001 is a separate AI management system standard that some buyers have started asking for.
What the sources say
- ISO/IEC 42001 (published December 2023) is an AI management system standard; it does not replace SOC 2 or HIPAA. [source]
- Buyers of AI products increasingly ask about AI governance, and some expect ISO 42001. [source]
- Standard text and scope. [source]
Platforms that list ISO 42001
| Platform | Published frameworks |
|---|---|
| Vanta | 35+ frameworks incl. SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, GDPR, HITRUST, ISO 42001, NIST AI RMF, plus customsource |
| Delve | SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, HITRUST, FedRAMP, ISO 42001, NIST AI RMFsource |
Based on each vendor's cited framework page. A platform missing here may still support ISO 42001, so ask the vendor.
Other industries: SOC 2 for HealthtechSOC 2 for Fintech · SOC 2 vs ISO 27001
Frequently asked questions
Do AI startups need ISO 42001 instead of SOC 2?
Sources describe them as complementary: SOC 2 for security assurance, ISO 42001 for AI governance when buyers or regulation call for it.
Which compliance platforms support ISO 42001?
See the table on this page. It lists tracked platforms whose published framework lists mention ISO 42001.
Which compliance platforms list ISO 42001?
Among platforms we track, published framework lists mentioning ISO 42001: Vanta, Delve. Others may support it without listing it on the pages we cite.
Last verified 2026-10-16. Not legal advice.