What it is

ISO/IEC 23053:2022, Framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Systems Using Machine Learning (ML), was published on 20 June 2022 (36 pages) by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 42. It “provides a conceptual framework and shared terminology for describing” ML-based AI systems, their components, and their functions in the AI ecosystem. It is written for both experts and non-specialists.

It sits alongside ISO/IEC 22989 (concepts and terminology) as a foundation for the SC 42 family, including ISO/IEC 42001 and 23894.

Status

ISO’s page lists two amendments under development: ISO/IEC 23053:2022/FDAmd 1 and ISO/IEC 23053:2022/AWI Amd 2. Their topics and dates were not shown on the page we opened.

Licence terms

ISO’s licence prohibits machine learning and AI use of ISO publications, including processing for AI, unless expressly authorized under a separate ISO licence, and opts out of the EU text and data mining exception. That is the basis for our rating.

Working with ISO/IEC 23053 and AI

  1. Describe your own ML architecture in your own documents, using the standard as a reference by clause number.
  2. Do not index or upload the standard without an AI-permitted licence.
  3. Track the two amendments and update internal references when they publish.
  4. Use openly reusable frameworks (for example NIST publications) where you need text in AI tools.
  5. Record licence decisions.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a technical framework standard is free to reuse.
  • Pasting component definitions into prompt libraries.
  • Missing amendments once published.
  • Confusing 23053 with the certifiable ISO/IEC 42001.

Checklist

  • Own architecture documentation
  • Clause references only
  • Standard text excluded from AI tools
  • Amendments tracked
  • Licence decisions recorded

How AskDona helps

AskDona reviews your ML system documentation for completeness and consistency across documents, with citations, without needing licensed ISO text.

Run a sample ML documentation consistency check

AskDona shows the evidence; your engineering and governance teams decide.

Editor’s note. This article is general information, not legal advice. The “separate permission required” rating comes from our source list and is a first-pass judgment, not a legal opinion.

FAQ

What is ISO/IEC 23053? A 2022 framework describing ML-based AI systems and their components.

Is it being updated? Two amendments are listed as under development.

Is it certifiable? No. Certification for AI governance uses ISO/IEC 42001.

Can I use its text in an AI tool? Not without a separate ISO licence permitting AI use.

References

All pages opened and checked by October 26, 2026.

SourceWhat it supports
ISO: ISO/IEC 23053:2022Date, pages, abstract, amendments
ISO: Licence agreementAI and TDM restrictions