AI Control Library / CF-01: Lifecycle Governance
Designation: Supplemental | Control types represented: Operational
Users can continue relying on unreliable output or create unsafe workarounds if they do not understand a disruption. Communication must reach people with a clear operational instruction, even when normal channels fail.
Control requirement
Provide continuity communication arrangements that identify audiences, message owners, alternate channels, approval authority, notification triggers and update expectations during AI service disruption and recovery.
Why this matters
The control is effective when its required decisions and safeguards can be demonstrated in the actual workflow. An approved document or completed form alone is insufficient if the described actions are not performed.
How the control types work together
Operational controls provide the policies, decisions and recurring processes described here.
When it applies
Internal operators, business users, providers and affected customers who need information during AI-supported service disruption.
Tailor depth and review frequency to potential impact, system authority and uncertainty. Document the reason for any exclusion; a supplemental designation does not make an otherwise applicable safeguard optional.
Ownership
The incident or continuity lead coordinates; designated communications owners issue messages with business and legal input as needed.
Implementation guidance
- Identify audiences and what each needs to do, including whether to stop reliance, switch workflow or preserve records.
- Define activation and update triggers, authorized senders, escalation contacts and protected alternate channels.
- Prepare adaptable messages distinguishing confirmed facts, uncertainty, available service and the next update; protect sensitive incident detail.
- Test contact reachability and channel failure; document updates and communicate return-to-service conditions explicitly.
How to verify it
Use a representative sample of actual records or an authorized controlled exercise. A reviewer with suitable expertise should compare observed practice with the approved scope and acceptance criteria.
| Test | Expected result |
|---|---|
| Simulate loss of the normal communication platform | A tested alternate route reaches responsible parties. |
| Review a user-facing message | Required action and available service are clear. |
| Trace recovery notification | The message follows verified restoration rather than an unsupported estimated time. |
Record a finding when a required result is absent, evidence cannot substantiate the claim, or practice differs materially from the approved conditions. An exception may record accepted risk, but does not turn a failed safeguard into an effective one.
Evidence to retain
- Communication matrix and contact list
- Message templates and approval rules
- Channel tests
- Issued messages and timing records
Protect evidence according to its sensitivity and approved retention requirements. Retain enough detail to substantiate the assessment without unnecessarily duplicating confidential or personal information.
If the control fails
Escalate failed notifications or conflicting instructions to the response lead. Use alternate channels and correct inaccurate messages promptly; do not imply recovery before operational confirmation.
Example in practice
Hypothetical example: A model begins producing unreliable advice. The notice tells users to stop using generated recommendations, identifies the approved fallback and gives the next update time instead of saying only that maintenance is underway.
Related controls
- CF01-S07: AI Continuity Planning
- CF01-S08: AI Continuity Documentation
- CF10-006: AI Incident & Breach Notification
Framework mappings
- CSA AICM (BCR-07)
- NIST AI RMF (MANAGE 4.1)
- ISO 42001 (Cl. 8.2)
Review and maintenance
Review at the interval approved by the control owner and after a material change, relevant incident or failed assessment. Reassess the affected scope, update records and verify corrective actions before closing findings.
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