SiteTrust AI Transparency Standard v1.0
The framework for verifiable AI transparency and responsible AI practices
Executive Summary
The SiteTrust AI Transparency Standard establishes a framework for organizations to demonstrate responsible, transparent practices in their development, deployment, and disclosure of artificial intelligence systems.
This standard addresses the growing need for consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and ethical AI governance in an era of rapidly advancing generative AI technology.
Core Principles
Transparency First
Organizations must clearly disclose the presence, purpose, and limitations of AI systems
Consumer Empowerment
Users must have access to information about AI systems and recourse mechanisms
Accountability
Organizations must designate responsible parties for AI governance
Verifiability
Claims about AI transparency must be substantiated through documentation
Certification Tiers Overview
Tier 1: Committed ($2,500/year)
Foundation transparency through public policy commitments and basic disclosure practices.
Key Requirements:
- Published AI Usage Policy
- Point-of-use disclosure
- Transparency contact
- Annual self-certification
Tier 2: Verified ($10,000/year)
Verified transparency practices through third-party audit and enhanced consumer protections.
Key Requirements:
- All Tier 1 +
- Third-party audit
- Enhanced policy
- Consumer recourse process
- Annual transparency report
- Employee training
Tier 3: Certified ($25,000+/year)
Advanced AI governance with technical verification, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive compliance.
Key Requirements:
- All Tier 2 +
- Technical verification (C2PA)
- Real-time monitoring
- Advanced governance framework
- Quarterly reporting
- Legal advisory
SiteTrust AI Transparency Standard v1.0 - Complete Documentation
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
The SiteTrust AI Transparency Standard v1.0 establishes a comprehensive framework for organizations to demonstrate responsible, transparent practices in their development, deployment, and disclosure of artificial intelligence systems. This standard addresses the growing need for consumer trust, regulatory compliance, and ethical AI governance in an era of rapidly advancing generative AI technology.
The standard is designed to be accessible to organizations at all stages of AI maturity, from those just beginning their transparency journey to those with advanced AI governance frameworks. Our three-tier certification system allows organizations to start at the appropriate level and progress as they enhance their practices.
2. Scope and Applicability
This standard applies to organizations that develop, deploy, or use artificial intelligence systems in their products, services, or operations. The standard is applicable to:
- Organizations using AI systems in customer-facing applications
- Companies deploying AI for internal operations that affect stakeholders
- Organizations subject to US state AI regulations (Colorado AI Act, California TFAIA, etc.)
- Companies operating in jurisdictions with AI transparency requirements (EU AI Act)
- Any organization seeking to demonstrate commitment to responsible AI practices
The standard is designed to align with emerging regulatory requirements while providing a clear, actionable framework for transparency practices.
3. Detailed Tier Requirements
Tier 1: Committed - Detailed Requirements
Tier 1 certification establishes the foundation for AI transparency through public policy commitments and basic disclosure practices. This tier is designed for organizations beginning their transparency journey or with limited AI usage.
3.1.1 Published AI Usage Policy
Organizations must publish a publicly accessible AI usage policy that clearly explains:
- How the organization uses AI systems
- What types of AI systems are deployed
- How AI decisions are made and who is responsible
- Data practices related to AI systems
3.1.2 Point-of-Use Disclosure
Organizations must clearly disclose when users are interacting with AI systems. Disclosure must be:
- Visible and accessible at the point of interaction
- Written in clear, non-technical language
- Available in all languages in which the service is offered
3.1.3 Transparency Contact
Organizations must provide a designated contact method (email or form) for transparency-related inquiries. Response time expectations must be clearly communicated.
3.1.4 Annual Self-Certification
Organizations must complete an annual self-certification confirming continued compliance with Tier 1 requirements. This includes updating policies and disclosures as needed.
Tier 2: Verified - Detailed Requirements
Tier 2 certification adds third-party verification and enhanced consumer protections. This tier is recommended for most organizations seeking credible, verified transparency practices.
3.2.1 All Tier 1 Requirements
Organizations must meet all Tier 1 requirements as a foundation.
3.2.2 Third-Party Audit
Organizations must undergo an independent third-party audit conducted by SiteTrust-approved auditors. The audit verifies:
- Accuracy of published policies and disclosures
- Implementation of stated transparency practices
- Compliance with documented procedures
3.2.3 Enhanced AI Policy
The AI usage policy must be enhanced to include:
- Risk assessment and mitigation processes
- Data governance practices
- Model training and development practices
- Bias detection and mitigation efforts
3.2.4 Consumer Recourse Process
Organizations must establish and document a clear process for consumers to:
- Report concerns about AI systems
- Request information about AI decisions
- Appeal decisions made by AI systems
- Receive responses within defined timeframes
3.2.5 Annual Transparency Report
Organizations must publish an annual transparency report that includes:
- Summary of AI systems in use
- Incidents and resolutions
- Policy updates and improvements
- Compliance status and audit results
3.2.6 Employee Training
Organizations must provide training to employees on AI transparency practices, policies, and their responsibilities.
Tier 3: Certified - Detailed Requirements
Tier 3 certification represents the highest level of AI transparency and governance. This tier is designed for organizations with high-risk AI systems or strict regulatory requirements.
3.3.1 All Tier 2 Requirements
Organizations must meet all Tier 2 requirements as a foundation.
3.3.2 Technical Verification (C2PA)
Organizations must implement technical verification using C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standards for content generated by AI systems. This includes:
- Content provenance tracking
- Digital signatures for AI-generated content
- Metadata preservation throughout content lifecycle
3.3.3 Real-Time Monitoring
Organizations must implement real-time monitoring systems to detect:
- Anomalous AI behavior
- Performance degradation
- Security incidents
- Compliance violations
3.3.4 Advanced Governance Framework
Organizations must establish and document:
- AI ethics board or committee
- Clear accountability structures
- Regular governance reviews
- Stakeholder engagement processes
3.3.5 Quarterly Reporting
Organizations must publish quarterly transparency reports with enhanced detail on:
- AI system performance metrics
- Incident reports and resolutions
- Risk assessments and mitigations
- Compliance status updates
3.3.6 Legal Advisory
Organizations receive access to legal advisory services for:
- Regulatory compliance guidance
- Policy development support
- Contract review for AI-related agreements
- Incident response legal support
4. Application Process
4.1 Initial Application
Organizations begin the certification process by submitting an application through the SiteTrust portal. The application includes:
- Organization information and contact details
- Desired certification tier
- Description of AI systems in use
- Current transparency practices
- Compliance requirements (if applicable)
4.2 Review Timeline
- Tier 1: 5-7 business days for policy review
- Tier 2: 4-6 weeks for review and third-party audit
- Tier 3: 6-10 weeks for comprehensive review, audit, and technical verification
4.3 Certification Decision
Upon completion of the review process, organizations receive a certification decision. If approved, they receive their certification badge, registry listing, and access to SiteTrust resources. If additional work is needed, organizations receive detailed feedback and guidance for improvement.
5. Badge Usage Guidelines
5.1 Approved Usage
Certified organizations may display the SiteTrust certification badge on:
- Organization websites and landing pages
- Marketing materials and advertisements
- Product documentation and user interfaces
- Email signatures and business communications
- Social media profiles and posts
5.2 Badge Requirements
- Badge must link to the organization's public registry listing
- Badge must not be modified, distorted, or altered
- Badge must be displayed with sufficient size for visibility
- Badge must include current certification tier designation
5.3 Prohibited Usage
- Displaying badge after certification has expired or been revoked
- Using badge to imply certification of products or services not covered by certification
- Modifying badge design or colors
- Using badge in misleading or deceptive ways
6. Compliance and Monitoring
6.1 Ongoing Compliance
Certified organizations must maintain compliance with their tier requirements throughout the certification period. This includes:
- Keeping policies and disclosures up to date
- Maintaining required documentation
- Completing annual or quarterly reporting requirements
- Responding to SiteTrust inquiries and audits
6.2 Monitoring and Audits
SiteTrust conducts periodic reviews and audits to verify continued compliance. Organizations may be subject to:
- Annual compliance reviews
- Random audits
- Incident-based investigations
- Consumer complaint reviews
6.3 Certification Revocation
Certification may be revoked if organizations:
- Fail to maintain compliance with tier requirements
- Provide false or misleading information
- Violate transparency commitments
- Engage in practices that undermine consumer trust
7. Regulatory Alignment
7.1 US State Regulations
SiteTrust certification aligns with emerging US state AI regulations:
- Colorado AI Act: Tier 1 and above meet basic disclosure requirements; Tier 2+ provides enhanced compliance
- California TFAIA: Tier 3 certification helps frontier model developers prepare for comprehensive requirements
- Other States: Certification framework adapts to state-specific requirements as they emerge
7.2 EU AI Act
SiteTrust certification helps organizations prepare for EU AI Act compliance, particularly for general-purpose AI models and high-impact systems. Tier 2 and Tier 3 certifications provide documentation and governance structures aligned with EU requirements.
7.3 Federal Guidance
Certification aligns with emerging federal guidance on AI transparency, including Executive Order 14110 and OMB guidance. Organizations certified at Tier 2 and Tier 3 are well-positioned to meet federal procurement and compliance requirements.
Ready to Get Certified?
Start your certification journey today and demonstrate your commitment to AI transparency.
Apply for Certification