M21AI

M21AI: How We Use AI in Translation

Technical translation, data annotation and regulatory documentation for AI companies. Native linguists with experience in AI/ML, ISO 17100 certified workflows and compliance with the EU AI Act, ICO guidance and US AI frameworks.

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Artificial intelligence companies generate massive volumes of multilingual content: model documentation, training data, regulatory submissions, product interfaces. Translation errors in this domain have regulatory, reputational and operational consequences. A poorly translated limitations section in a model card can compromise compliance with the EU AI Act, ICO guidance or the US AI executive order. A dataset annotated with linguistic inconsistencies can degrade model performance across entire markets.

Most translation agencies treat AI as an add-on. They lack linguists who understand transformer architectures, RLHF or the requirements of the EU AI Act and UK GDPR. The result: confused terminology, compromised regulatory documentation, critical nuances lost. For companies building AI products, these failures translate into compliance delays, technical rework and avoidable market risks.

M21AI is M21Global's division specialised in translation and multilingual data operations for artificial intelligence companies. We combine over 20 years of experience in ISO 17100 certified translation with a team that has been working with AI content since 2018. We translate technical model documentation, annotate multilingual datasets for training and fine-tuning, localise AI products and translate regulatory compliance documentation for cross-border deployment.

For smaller projects or immediate needs, Vertio lets you translate documents on your own, with automatic verification by two independent AI engines. It is M21Global's efficiency engine, complementing the quality and governance layer that M21AI provides for enterprise projects.

28M+

Words translated with AI assistance

800+

AI/tech projects completed

150+

Clients with AI-enhanced services

95+

Language pairs available

Areas of Expertise

AI Documentation

Model cards, technical reports, API docs
Translators who understand LLMs and NLP
Client-specific and model-specific glossaries

Training Data and Annotation

Multilingual annotation for NLP/NLU
Datasets for RLHF and fine-tuning
Quality control with IAA

Product Localisation

Chatbots, virtual assistants, voice UI
Conversational flow adaptation

EU AI Act and Governance

Compliance documentation
Algorithmic impact assessments

QA and Metrics

Automated MQM metrics
Per-segment quality estimation

Global Coverage

95+ language pairs
Network of 3,000+ native translators

M21AI: The Artificial Intelligence Practice at M21Global

M21AI is the umbrella brand for everything artificial intelligence does at M21Global. It is not a single product or a stand-alone service. It is how we describe our method, our technology stack, our governance principles, and the way AI collaborates with our linguists across the full translation cycle.

With over 20 years of experience in professional translation, we integrate AI where it accelerates delivery without compromising quality. This page explains how we apply AI, where it fits inside our process, and how the M21AI practice connects to specific services such as machine translation post-editing.

What M21AI Is (and Is Not)

M21AI is the hub that describes our AI practice end to end: the principles we follow, the private neural machine translation engines we operate, the data-security commitments we sign, the quality tiers where AI plays a role, and the governance rules that keep humans in control of outcomes.

M21AI is not a product you buy, nor a specific service with its own price list. Those exist as dedicated offerings inside our catalogue. M21AI is the context in which those offerings operate: the shared method, tooling, and values that guide every project where AI is part of the workflow. If you are looking for a specific deliverable, the next sections point to the right service.

Machine Translation Post-Editing as a Specific Service

Within the M21AI practice, machine translation post-editing (MTPE) is one concrete service. It combines output from our private NMT engines with human post-editing performed by qualified linguists, following ISO 18587. MTPE is the most visible example of AI at M21, but it is only part of the story.

The distinction matters. MTPE has defined inputs, outputs, turnaround, and pricing. M21AI, by contrast, covers the broader picture: how we select projects suitable for AI, how we protect client data, how we combine engines with terminology resources, and how we decide when AI is not the right choice. Use the MTPE page for service details, and this page to understand the wider practice behind it.

How AI Fits into the M21 Method

AI is present at several points of our workflow, always under human supervision:

Pre-project analysis. We assess content type, domain, risk profile, and the client's style assets to decide whether AI assistance is appropriate.
Execution. Where suitable, our private NMT engines produce a first draft that is then post-edited by a linguist against the approved glossary and translation memory.
Quality assurance. Automated checks validate terminology, numbers, tags, and consistency, alongside manual review.
Post-delivery. Feedback loops and quality estimation help us improve future projects and refine domain-specific resources.

AI augments the linguist. It does not replace the editorial judgement that qualified translators bring to each project.

The Three Tiers and Where IAH+ Fits

Our catalogue is organized around three service tiers, described in detail on our translation services page:

Standard. One native linguist with self-review. Suitable for internal or lower-risk content.
IAH+. AI combined with human post-editing, certified under ISO 18587. This is the tier where AI has a direct operational role, reducing effort by around 30% compared with fully human translation while preserving domain accuracy.
Strategic. Full TEP (translation, editing, proofreading) by a translator plus an independent reviewer plus QA, certified under ISO 17100. Used for regulated, public-facing, or high-stakes content.

Within M21AI, the IAH+ tier is where the practice is most visible to clients who select AI-assisted delivery.

Private NMT Stack and Data Security

We operate private neural machine translation engines hosted in environments we control. Client content is not routed through free public AI tools, and client data is never used to train external models. Every project is covered by a non-disclosure agreement, and our in-house IT department maintains the infrastructure alongside our own client platform.

This matters for regulated industries, confidential commercial material, and any content subject to data-protection obligations. Confidentiality is not an optional add-on: it is the default operating condition for the M21AI practice.

Responsible AI and Governance

We apply AI where it demonstrably improves throughput without compromising accuracy. We also declare, in advance, the situations where we do not rely on AI as the primary engine:

Content with high cultural nuance, creative adaptation, or transcreation needs.
Legally critical documents where a certified human translation is required.
Domains where available training data is insufficient to meet our quality threshold.
Projects where the client has contractual restrictions on AI-assisted processing.

In every scenario, human linguists retain editorial control. AI is a tool inside our method, not an autonomous decision-maker.

Use Cases by Content Type

AI-assisted workflows are a strong fit for content types with repetitive structure, controlled terminology, and predictable style. Typical examples include:

Technical documentation and product manuals.
Knowledge-base articles and support content.
User-interface strings and software localization packages.
Financial reporting, procurement documents, and internal communications.
Large multilingual catalogues, specifications, and data sheets.

For marketing copy, brand voice work, legal instruments, and content intended for certification, we typically recommend the Strategic tier or certified translation, with AI limited to terminology support.

Quality: ISO 17100 and the Scope of ISO 18587

M21Global is certified under both ISO 17100 and ISO 18587 by Bureau Veritas. The two standards cover different scopes and should not be confused.

ISO 17100 covers translation services as a whole, including the Strategic tier with full TEP and certified translation produced before an in-house lawyer or a notary.
ISO 18587 covers machine translation post-editing specifically. It applies to the IAH+ tier and to our MTPE service, setting requirements for post-editor qualifications and for the editing process itself.

Holding both certifications means we can serve fully human and AI-assisted projects under recognized, audited processes.

Integration with Client Teams, Glossaries, and Workflows

M21AI is designed to plug into existing client processes rather than replace them. We maintain shared translation memories and client-specific glossaries, synchronize terminology across languages, and support API-based integrations for document intake, status tracking, and delivery.

Our in-house IT department operates our own client platform, which means we can adapt to different content pipelines, content-management systems, and review cycles. We coordinate with client reviewers, in-country stakeholders, and internal terminology owners so that AI outputs align with established brand and domain standards from the first delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About AI in Translation

Does my data stay private? Yes. We use private NMT engines in environments we control, every engagement is covered by an NDA, and client content is never used to train external models.

Does AI replace the human translator? No. In every AI-assisted workflow, a qualified linguist post-edits the output, applies the client's glossary and style, and is accountable for the final quality.

How do you guarantee the quality of AI output? Through post-editing under ISO 18587, automated QA checks, translation memories, approved terminology, and, where applicable, a second reviewer in the Strategic tier.

Which languages support AI-assisted workflows? We work in more than 63 languages. AI assistance is enabled on the language pairs and domains where we can meet our quality threshold; otherwise we default to fully human translation.

Can you work inside my VPN or review platform? We operate on our own secure tooling, sign NDAs, and integrate through agreed file exchange or APIs.

How fast can you quote a project? We deliver quotes within 3 business hours for standard enquiries.

Related Services and Next Steps

To go deeper into specific offerings inside the M21AI practice, or to start a project, follow the links below:

Machine translation post-editing (MTPE): the dedicated service covering ISO 18587 post-editing, turnaround, and scope.
Translation services: the full catalogue across Standard, IAH+, and Strategic tiers.
Request a quote: receive a tailored proposal within 3 business hours, including recommended tier and delivery plan.

If you are unsure which tier is the right fit, share your content type, volume, and target languages when you request a quote. Our team will advise on whether AI-assisted delivery is appropriate for your project.

Our Commitments

ISO 17100 Certification

Bureau Veritas certified processes. Every translation goes through translation, review and quality control, even in AI-assisted workflows.

AI Specialisation

Linguists with proven translation experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning and natural language processing.

Full Confidentiality

Per-project NDAs, file encryption, isolated environments. GDPR and UK GDPR compliant, aligned with the EU AI Act.

Guaranteed Deadlines

Contractual commitment to delivery dates. AI-powered processes enable shorter turnaround times without compromising quality.

Specialised Native Translators

All translators are native speakers of the target language. Linguists with proven translation experience in artificial intelligence domains.

EU AI Act Compliance

Transparent processes regarding AI use, documentation of algorithmic decisions and translation of regulatory documentation.

What Our Clients Say

We received the translation within the agreed deadline and its quality seems good

Vesa Kotiranta, EKE-ELECTRONICS LTD, Finland

Speed of response and translation, availability for clarification, price and quality

Tiago Melo, Brisa

We are extremely pleased with the service provided. You demonstrate speed and adherence to desired deadlines

Bruno Martins, DEFT Training & Manpower Services

We thank you for your professionalism in executing it, quality and compliance with the established deadline

Pedro Pires, ENVAC South Europe & Americas

I was validating the translation with the designers who did the original version (PT) and I confirm everything is fine!

Madalena Caetano, HR Consultant

Frequently Asked Questions

In MTPE (Machine Translation Post-Editing), a neural machine translation engine generates a first version that is then reviewed and corrected by a qualified human translator. In full human translation, the translator creates the text from scratch. MTPE is faster and more cost-effective, especially for large volumes, whilst full human translation is preferable for creative or high-impact content. M21AI offers both options and recommends the most suitable approach for each project based on content type, volume and objectives.

We sign individual NDAs per project and operate with file encryption in transit and at rest. For projects with enhanced confidentiality requirements, we provide isolated environments and restricted access based on the principle of least privilege. We do not use client content to train internal or third-party AI models. We comply with GDPR and UK GDPR, and are aligned with the EU AI Act transparency principles.

We use multi-layered quality control processes: detailed annotation guidelines, annotator training, inter-annotator agreement (IAA) with metrics such as Cohen's Kappa, sampling review and cross-validation between annotators. Datasets are delivered with quality reports that include consistency metrics and identification of problematic categories.

Yes. M21AI translates AI governance and compliance documentation, including algorithmic impact assessments, high-risk system documentation, responsible AI policies and transparency reports. Our team combines technical linguists with reviewers experienced in legal translation, ensuring that regulatory terms retain their legal meaning in each target language.

MTPE reduces delivery turnaround times by 40% to 60% compared with full human translation, depending on the language pair and domain. As a reference, a 50,000-word technical documentation project for 5 languages with Full MTPE is typically delivered in 5 to 7 working days. Urgent projects can be accelerated with dedicated teams. Following assessment, we provide a detailed schedule with delivery dates per language.

We use MQM (Multidimensional Quality Metrics) metrics that evaluate each delivery across dimensions such as accuracy, fluency, terminology, style and domain suitability. For MTPE projects, we also monitor the editing rate (edit distance between the engine output and the final version) and compare it with benchmarks by language pair. Each project includes a detailed quality report and scores are tracked over time.

Speak with a specialist

A brief call to understand the translation and multilingual data needs of your AI project. No commitment.