AI governance means a set of principles, policies, and laws that guide the development, deployment, and use of AI systems. There has been a lot of talk about ChatGPT and its amazing features over the past few months. Don’t get me wrong. ChatGPT is democratizing AI for the masses and can add significant value to selected use cases.
However, sometimes the logic of AI tools and basic calculations is flawed. Now consider this by calculating your risk profile to see if you qualify for a low-interest rate or buying your first home. Does this mean AI is bad? no However, it shows the importance of AI control and data integrity. We cannot simply assume that AI or machine learning will work on all data sets and use cases; changes to data and models must be tested and controlled to ensure accurate results.
What is AI control?
AI governance aims to ensure that AI is developed and used in a safe, transparent, ethical, and responsible manner.
We need AI governance for many reasons. First, AI is advancing rapidly and has the potential to affect many aspects of society, including employment, healthcare, and security. Therefore, it is important to develop and use AI correctly and appropriately. Second, AI systems can make biased, unfair, or discriminatory decisions that can harm individuals and groups. AI governance can help mitigate these risks and ensure that AI is used appropriately. Third, AI governance can build trust in AI systems, which is important for widespread adoption and use.
The key elements of AI governance encompass
- Establishment of Standards and Guidelines: AI governance sets forth standards and guidelines for the creation and implementation of AI systems. These ensure that AI development aligns with ethical, legal, and social standards.
- Oversight and Accountability: AI governance mandates accountability for individuals and entities involved in AI development and usage. Oversight mechanisms, including audits and assessments, guarantee transparency and explainability of AI systems.
- Risk Evaluation: AI governance entails assessing the risks associated with AI development and utilization, such as bias and privacy infringements. Measures are then implemented to mitigate these risks.
- Collaboration and Engagement: AI governance promotes collaboration with various stakeholders, including industry, government, and the public. This ensures that AI initiatives reflect societal needs and values.
Differentiating Data Governance and AI Governance
Data governance involves managing data availability, integrity, and security within an organization. It establishes policies and procedures for data management to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. On the contrary, AI governance focuses on regulating the development, deployment, and application of AI systems. It aims to ensure the safety, reliability, and fairness of AI technologies, in alignment with legal and ethical requirements.
While data governance handles data as an asset, AI governance oversees the technological aspects of AI systems. It expands upon data governance principles to address the unique challenges and risks associated with AI, such as algorithmic bias and accountability. Integrating AI governance into a data governance framework can enhance data stewardship efforts, leveraging investments in tools like data catalogs to streamline governance processes.
Ensuring that AI delivers accurate and unbiased results
It is crucial for its effective and ethical application. Here are several key strategies to achieve this:
- Use high-quality, diverse data: The data used to train AI algorithms should accurately represent the real-world scenarios in which the AI will operate. Employing diverse datasets that encompass various demographics and experiences can help mitigate biases and ensure fairness in outcomes.
- Regularly audit and test AI models: Continuous monitoring and evaluation of AI models are essential to verify their accuracy and impartiality. Conducting audits and tests with new data, validating results, and comparing them against established benchmarks can help detect and rectify any biases or inaccuracies.
- Involve a diverse team: Building an AI team with diverse backgrounds and perspectives is crucial for identifying and addressing biases. Collaborating with individuals from different cultural, social, and professional backgrounds can offer unique insights and ensure that AI models are designed to be fair and unbiased.
- Ensure transparency and accountability: Transparency regarding the data sources, methodologies, and decision-making processes behind AI models is essential for fostering trust and accountability. Establishing clear guidelines and procedures for handling issues that arise, and communicating them openly with stakeholders, promotes transparency and ensures responsible AI usage.
- Regularly update models: AI models need to evolve continuously to maintain accuracy and relevance. Regular updates may involve refining algorithms, incorporating new data to retrain the model, and testing its performance in diverse scenarios. This iterative process helps ensure that AI systems adapt to changing circumstances and continue to deliver accurate and unbiased results over time.