Hey there, privacy enthusiasts! Let’s dive into the world of LLMs and AI, where these technologies have become an integral part of every product. As privacy leaders, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the game by establishing governance frameworks that address the intricate privacy, security, and ethical challenges posed by this new reality.
Recently, at the Bridge Privacy Summit 2025, Nishant Bhajaria led a riveting discussion with AI governance experts who shared their insights on overcoming governance hurdles and implementing best practices in their organizations. The esteemed panel included:
- Barbara Sondag – Senior Associate General Counsel, Intuit
- Shoshana Rosenberg – Chief Privacy Officer, WSP USA
- Jon Adams – Senior Director, Legal, LinkedIn
- Henri Kujala – Head of Privacy by Design & Responsible AI, Vodafone
So, What Exactly is AI Governance?
AI governance encompasses a set of policies and practices that steer the development and deployment of AI to ensure responsible and ethical use. It’s not merely a checkbox exercise; rather, it’s a collaborative effort that influences data security, risk management, product innovation, and overall corporate strategy. The panelists stressed that AI governance should be viewed as a holistic organizational initiative rather than a siloed legal or compliance function.
The Broad Impact of AI Governance
Shoshana Rosenberg shed light on how AI governance touches upon data security, workforce training, client confidence, and competitive positioning:
“The effects of AI on an organization demand vigilant monitoring and governance that surpasses mere legal compliance.”
“It influences the flow of your data, the trajectory of your employees, and the imperative of equipping them with advanced skills.”
The Essence of Leadership-Driven AI Governance
Barbara Sondag emphasized the necessity of a structured governance framework with clear accountability:
“AI governance isn’t a standalone function; it goes beyond risk mitigation. It’s a comprehensive process that encompasses data inputs, usage of outputs, and accountability in case of mishaps.”
“There should be a robust framework and a governing body, whether a committee, an internal task force, or another structure, to ensure consistent decision-making throughout the organization.”
Cultural Integration of AI Governance
Henri Kujala portrayed AI governance as a transformative shift that must be ingrained into daily workflows rather than an afterthought:
“AI governance is a journey of transformation. It’s not a quick fix; it should become an inherent part of the organizational culture.”
“We need to empower teams to take ownership of responsible AI, rather than it being imposed from external sources.”
