AI and data governance

Blake Jeffery at Intelliworx explains how businesses can manage data governance to get the most out of AI

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of modern business operations, offering enhanced efficiency, productivity, and decision-making capabilities. However, with those benefits comes significant risks that businesses must manage carefully.

 

Given the potential issues, some businesses may be tempted to simply ban employees from using technologies like generative AI. However, rather than imposing outright bans on AI usage, businesses should adopt a nuanced approach, focusing on education, transparency, and responsible AI practices.

 

By striking the right balance, businesses can harness the power of AI while mitigating potential pitfalls, ultimately fostering a workplace culture that embraces innovation and ethical considerations.

 

In this article, we will explore the challenges of integrating AI into the workplace and delve into the question of whether businesses should consider banning employees from using AI tools.

 

Data security and privacy risks

AI relies heavily on data, and ensuring the security and privacy of sensitive information is paramount. 

 

For organisations handling sensitive data, implementing stringent data governance measures is effectively non-negotiable. This involves establishing clear guidelines on how data is collected, processed and stored.

 

Companies should categorise data based on its sensitivity, identifying which datasets are permissible for use in AI applications and which require heightened protection. This ensures AI algorithms are trained and deployed carefully, preventing inadvertent exposure of confidential information when assisting customers or formulating responses to their queries.

 

Another key issue businesses need to consider around AI is that it relies on vast amounts of data for training and decision-making. This data, if not adequately protected, becomes a prime target for cybercriminals.

 

Businesses must ensure that this data is handled with the utmost care. Failure to adequately protect this information can result in privacy breaches, damaging both customer trust and the business’s reputation.

 

Ecosystems like Microsoft Modern Workplace can help businesses integrate AI while maintaining robust data governance controls. Features like data loss prevention in platforms such as Modern Workplace actively prevent unauthorised sharing or leaking of sensitive information by employing mechanisms including content inspection and contextual analysis. 

 

In addition, effective data governance also involves the implementation of labelling policies, which involves organisations labelling data based on its sensitivity, setting parameters for AI applications to access and use information responsibly.

 

Data exile controls also play an important role in governing where data is stored and processed. Such controls allow enterprises to define geographical restrictions and prevent AI applications from processing sensitive data in locations where it may be subject to legal or regulatory challenges. Deploying this type of mechanism allows businesses to align their AI usage with robust data governance policies and international compliance standards.

 

Should businesses ban employees from using AI?

Given the risks, it might be tempting for businesses to ban employees from using AI, but this could be impractical and hinder innovation. Instead, businesses should assess the specific risks associated with different AI applications and implement usage policies accordingly. 

 

Each AI application serves a distinct purpose within an organisation, be it automating routine tasks, optimising processes, or enhancing decision-making. Businesses should conduct a thorough risk assessment for each AI application, considering factors such as the type of data involved, the criticality of the task, and potential impacts on business operations.

 

Completely banning AI usage could also stifle employee autonomy and hinder the potential benefits that AI can bring to individual productivity. A more balanced approach involves educating employees about responsible AI usage and establishing guidelines.

 

Different AI applications may require varying levels of expertise for effective and secure usage. Companies should assess the skill sets of employees and provide targeted training programs to enhance their understanding of the specific risks associated with each AI application. This empowers employees to use AI tools responsibly and reduces the likelihood of accidental misuse.

 

By taking a nuanced approach and tailoring usage policies based on the specific risks associated with each AI application, businesses can strike a balance between harnessing the benefits of AI and mitigating potential pitfalls.

 

This approach not only enhances the overall security posture but also ensures that AI integration aligns with the organisation’s strategic goals and values.

 

---

 

Blake Jeffery is General Manager, Security & Identity at Intelliworx

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com