# A.12 Transparency and explainability

AI-related objective: Appropriate information about the AI system and the reasons for its outputs is available to the stakeholders who need it, at the level and in the form they need. Used when establishing risk criteria (6.3.4), identifying consequences (6.4.2.6) and evaluating risk (6.4.4). Read transparency and explainability against the objective the use threatens most.

- Framework: ISO/IEC 23894:2023
- Cited to: ISO/IEC 23894:2023, clause A.12
- Source: https://www.iso.org/standard/77304.html
- Last updated: 2026-10-20

## What it asks

AI-related objective: Appropriate information about the AI system and the reasons for its outputs is available to the stakeholders who need it, at the level and in the form they need. Used when establishing risk criteria (6.3.4), identifying consequences (6.4.2.6) and evaluating risk (6.4.4).

## Where generative AI changes the answer

Transparency means a person can learn that a generative system was used, what it was asked and what limits apply, in language they can act on.

## Who it binds

The AI risk owner, with the objective owner named in the risk treatment plan.

## Evidence an auditor samples

- Documentation of the system and explanation capability suited to each stakeholder

## The test you can run

Ask which objective the use threatens most and what measure shows it. A blank answer is the finding.

## Common failures

- No explanation available where decisions affect people

## Before the draft publishes

Pick the two objectives the use most affects, write the test you would apply, and record the result before the draft is published.

## What this page does not say

It does not state the text of ISO/IEC DTS 25568, because ISO has not published the draft's clause text. It does not certify anything.

Not legal advice; does not certify.