AI Governance - do you need it?

AI is here whether any of us like it or not. For years we have watched movies which warned

us of a future where artificial intelligence changed the world we live in and not always it

seemed for the better.

So, what have we to worry about. Nothing if you are prepared and have good processes and governance, governance and more governance. 

What do you know about the AI applications your team use, both officially and unofficially.

Do they adhere to UK and international regulations, do your staff and colleagues engage

with apps that they have downloaded unofficially. And importantly are they uploading

sensitive information that your company has developed?

Of course, you will have strict GDPR policies but how do they relate to day-to-day work in

relation to artificial intelligence. If your team produce more in-depth, analytical reports isn't that great? In doing so what have they shared, how do they check the information is not

only valid but compliant and correct.

One of our clients reached out recently asking for information on AI Governance, they had

concerns on how widely it had been unofficially adopted. They, like many companies are at

the beginning of their AI journey.

We started off with a leadership engagement meeting reviewing their current governance

processes and updating them on on how the legal and regulatory landscape for AI in the UKis evolving to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.

Here are some key aspects we outlined;

1. Data Protection: The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies in the UK,

providing a framework for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data.

Organisations using AI systems must ensure compliance with GDPR requirements, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring data accuracy, and implementing appropriate security measures.

2. Data Ethics: The UK government has established the Centre for Data Ethics and

Innovation (CDEI), an independent advisory body, to address ethical considerations in AI

development and deployment. The CDEI provides guidance and recommendations to ensureAI is developed and used in a responsible and accountable manner.

3. Algorithmic Bias and Discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination based

on protected characteristics. Companies must ensure that AI systems do not perpetuate

biases or discriminate against individuals or groups. The government encourages

transparency and accountability in algorithmic decision-making systems to mitigate bias.

 4. Sector-Specific Regulations: Certain sectors have specific regulations governing the use of AI. For example, in healthcare, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

(MHRA) oversees the regulation of AI-based medical devices. Financial services have

regulations such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) guidelines on the use of AI in the

sector.

 5. Competition and Consumer Protection: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)

has a role in ensuring fair competition in the AI sector. It monitors potential anti-competitive practices and investigates mergers and acquisitions that may impact

competition. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects consumers from unfair practices

related to AI products and services.

6. Government Initiatives: The UK government has published an AI Sector Deal and an AI

Roadmap to support the growth and responsible development of AI. These initiatives aim to foster innovation, address ethical challenges, and ensure the UK remains at the forefront of AI technology.

It's important to note that the legal and regulatory landscape is constantly evolving. we

advise that our clients should stay updated on any new legislation, guidelines, or industry-

specific regulations to ensure compliance with the applicable legal and regulatory

requirements in the UK.. Not all Ai systems meet the regulatory requirements, you could unwittingly be breaking UK and international law if your staff are using sites which you haven't verified for use.

If you decide to integrate AI into your business ensure that the organisation you use meets

UK REGULATIONS, is compliant with various industry standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2,

and GDPR. Ensure it offers advanced security features like data encryption, access controls,

and auditing capabilities to ensure the protection of user data. You should understand and if possible, have control over your data residency, allowing you to choose the location where your data is stored, including within the UK. Meet with providers, ask questions and

complete your due diligence.

Take control of AI put processes and procedures in place and harness the competitive

advantage it has to offer. Don’t unwittingly walk into the Abyss.

Watch out for more of our updates. I’LL BE BACK!