Yandex Becomes First Russian AI Developer to Receive ISO/IEC 42001 Certification
Russian tech giant Yandex has earned ISO/IEC 42001 certification for its AI development and safety practices—a milestone that positions the company alongside major global players like Microsoft and Google.
Data Safety and Quality Control Come First
Experts say the certification confirms that YandexGPT's development team accounts for the ethical and social risks of AI. The company prioritizes user data protection, quality control, and real-time error monitoring—ensuring transparency throughout the development lifecycle.
Yandex's large language model family, YandexGPT, is already embedded in a variety of its services, including the Alisa voice assistant, Neuroexpert, advertising tools, and art generation platform 'Shedevroom'. Although the ISO/IEC 42001 standard was introduced in 2023, certification until now had been awarded only to companies from 'unfriendly' nations—Microsoft, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services, Samsung SDS. To date, fewer than 50 companies worldwide have obtained the certification.
White-Hat Hackers and Security by Design
Anna Zinchuk, head of compliance and cybersecurity training at Yandex, noted the company had embedded responsible AI practices long before YandexGPT was publicly launched. In March 2024, Yandex signed a declaration on responsible AI development as a member of Russia’s AI Alliance.
Yandex continues to refine its AI security. Since spring 2025, it has invited white-hat hackers to test its generative AI systems and rewards vulnerabilities discovered—offering bounties up to 1 million rubles.
For Russia’s IT industry, Yandex’s ISO certification is a landmark. It validates domestic AI systems against rigorous international benchmarks and raises their credibility among global investors and partners. Despite geopolitical hurdles, Russian developers are proving their solutions are aligned with global best practices.
Building a Standard-Ready Future
Concerns over AI transparency, fairness, and safety have dominated headlines in recent years. ISO/IEC 42001 and similar standards aim to restore trust by requiring visibility into algorithmic decisions and system behavior.
Russia itself has a history of early engagement with international certification. In 2022, the first global certificate from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) was issued domestically—for radiation monitoring tools used in nuclear energy sectors.
When ISO/IEC 42001 emerged in 2022–2023, global tech giants were first in line. Meanwhile, Russian firms—whose ISO 9001 credentials were withdrawn or paused—sought new pathways. They began obtaining IAF-accredited certificates through partnerships with Serbia and Belarus.
Now, Yandex’s certification is a signpost: independent auditors have confirmed that Russia’s AI platforms can meet international ethics and safety standards.
Momentum for Recognition and Growth
Analysts believe more Russian digital firms will pursue ISO/IEC 42001 audits in the near future. Certification signals commitment to trustworthy AI and increases client confidence.
It could also open doors to government contracts and competitive tenders—enhancing collaboration between private developers and public authorities.
As responsible AI practices gain traction, certification like ISO/IEC 42001 may propel more Russian tech firms into international conversations and partnerships.
