BSI awards SoftBank ISO/IEC 42001:2023 for TASUKI Annotation

The announcement positions BSI Japan's certification of SoftBank as a milestone in AI governance. Published in December 2023, ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is the first international standard for AI management systems, and BSI frames its audit as proof that SoftBank's processes for 'TASUKI Annotation' meet requirements for managing risks and opportunities. The certification follows BSI's October 2025 survey of over 850 senior business leaders across seven countries, which found less than a quarter of firms worldwide have an AI governance program, and only 10% in Japan. Related data from Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications shows 55.2% of Japanese firms use generative AI in some capacity, yet only 12% have risk-assessment processes for AI, per BSI's survey.

The decision by SoftBank, a major Japanese telecom and IT group, to seek this certification suggests governance is becoming a competitive differentiator for AI service providers. SoftBank's IT strategy head stated that governance is essential to maximize AI's value, and the firm chose BSI based on existing relationships from prior ISO certifications and BSI's global audit record for ISO/IEC 42001.

Looking ahead, the practical test will be whether SoftBank's certified management system holds up in ongoing operations. The certification is not a one-time stamp; it requires continual evaluation and improvement of AI-related risks and opportunities, which means sustained internal commitment. For BSI, this provides a notable Japanese reference case to attract other AI-developing organizations facing similar governance gaps, though replicating this will depend on each firm's readiness and resources.