With the rise of data-led business models (AI, machine learning, analytics), regulators and shareholders expect formal governance. ISO 38505 provides the “language of assurance” that a board of directors understands.
If you download the standard, you will find six principles that guide the governing body:
The standard is being developed in parts:
If your search for “ISO 38505 PDF” is broad, make sure you actually need Part 1—it is the foundational document.
ISO 38505 is a standard that applies the principles of corporate governance to data. It is an offshoot of the popular ISO 38500 (Governance of IT for the organization).
While ISO 38500 covers IT governance broadly, ISO 38505 focuses specifically on data governance—how to direct, evaluate, and monitor the use of data.
The standard is officially titled:
ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 – Information technology – Governance of IT – Governance of data – Part 1: Application of ISO/IEC 38500 to the governance of data
If you are not ready to purchase the standard, leverage these legitimate, cost-free resources:
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You have the official document—now what? Implementation follows a high-level framework.
ISO/IEC 38505 provides guidance for governing the use of data and analytics in support of organizational decision-making. Below is a concise, shareable post you can use to inform colleagues or publish on internal channels, with a note that a PDF version is available.
Key points
Call to action
Short post version (for social/internal sharing) ISO/IEC 38505 offers board-level guidance for governing data analytics — ensuring alignment with strategy, accountability, transparency, data quality, ethical use, and risk management. Download the PDF to build a robust analytics governance program that improves decision-making and reduces analytics-related risks.
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Think of ISO/IEC 38505 as the "instruction manual" for the people at the very top of an organization—the board and executives—to make sure they aren't just letting data sit in a basement, but are actually treating it as a valuable (and risky) asset.
While a "PDF" of the standard itself is a copyrighted document you usually have to buy, 🧩 What is ISO 38505?
It is a global framework for the Governance of Data. Unlike technical standards that tell IT how to encrypt a database, this one tells leaders how to decide what should happen to data.
The Goal: Aligning your data strategy with your business goals while keeping regulators happy.
The Relation: It’s a "child" of ISO/IEC 38500, which covers general IT governance. 🏗️ The Core Framework: EDM
The standard relies on the Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor (EDM) model to keep data under control:
Evaluate: Leaders look at the current and future use of data. Is it helping us make money? Is it a liability?
Direct: They set the policies and strategies. "This is how we will use data, and these are the ethical lines we won't cross."
Monitor: They check in to ensure the rules are actually being followed and that the data is performing as expected. ⚖️ Why You’d Want the PDF iso 38505 pdf
If you are working in a corporate or legal capacity, the ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 document provides the formal structure needed to:
Achieve Compliance: It helps you build a system that naturally fits with laws like GDPR or CCPA.
Manage Accountability: It clarifies who is actually "on the hook" if data is mismanaged across its entire lifecycle.
Bridge the Gap: It acts as a translator between the "tech speak" of IT and the "business speak" of the boardroom. 🛠️ Key Implementation Pillars
When you dive into the standard, it asks you to look at data through six specific lenses: Responsibility: Who owns the data? Strategy: Why are we even collecting this? Acquisition: How are we getting it? Performance: Is the data actually useful? Conformance: Are we following the law? Human Behavior: How are our employees treating the data? 📂 Where to find it
Since it is a protected international standard, you can't officially download it for free. You can find the official copy and previews at: The ISO Store for the primary 38505-1 document.
Compliance platforms like Nemko which offer deep dives into how it helps with modern regulations.
Are you looking to implement this for a specific industry, or do you need a comparison with other standards like ISO 27001?
ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 - Information technology — Governance of IT
ISO/IEC 38505 series provides a high-level, principles-based framework for the governance of data. It applies the core IT governance principles from ISO/IEC 38500 specifically to the lifecycle and strategic use of data. iTeh Standards The ISO/IEC 38505 Series Structure
The series is divided into three primary documents, each serving a distinct role in the data governance hierarchy: ISO/IEC 38505-1:2017 (Application of ISO/IEC 38500)
: This is the foundational standard. It defines data governance as a subset of IT governance and establishes six core principles: responsibility, strategy, acquisition, performance, conformance, and human behavior. ISO/IEC TR 38505-2:2018 (Implications for Data Management) With the rise of data-led business models (AI,
: This technical report provides guidance for governing bodies and executive managers on how the principles in Part 1 impact actual data management activities.
ISO/IEC TS 38505-3:2021 (Guidelines for Data Classification)
: This technical specification offers practical guidance on using data classification to manage the value, sensitivity, and risk of an organization's data portfolio. ISO - International Organization for Standardization Key Governance Principles
Organizations are encouraged to evaluate, direct, and monitor their data usage through these six lenses: Responsibility:
Establishing clear accountability for data-related decisions.
Ensuring data initiatives align with overall business objectives. Acquisition: Directing how data is systematically collected or procured. Performance: Monitoring the effectiveness and value generated by data. Conformance: Ensuring adherence to regulations like GDPR or CCPA. Human Behavior:
Considering the human and cultural factors in data handling. iTeh Standards Implementation and Compliance Target Audience
: The standard is applicable to all organizations—public, private, or non-profit—regardless of size. Lifecycle Focus
: It covers the entire data lifecycle: collect, store, report, decide, distribute, and dispose. Strategic Value
: Organizations implementing these standards report improved data quality, reduced compliance incidents, and faster decision-making cycles. ISO - International Organization for Standardization Accessing the PDF
Official versions of these standards are copyrighted and must typically be purchased through recognized national or international standards bodies. You can find official copies at: ISO Official Site ISO/IEC 38505-1 ISO/IEC TS 38505-3 BSI Knowledge BS ISO/IEC 38505-1 ANSI Webstore Standard Previews
are often available for free to review the scope and table of contents before purchase. gap analysis checklist If your search for “ISO 38505 PDF” is
based on the six governance principles mentioned in the standard?
Part 1: Application of ISO/IEC 38500 to the governance of data