Ethical AI Governance Key to Business Success

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Navigating the global landscape of over 1,600 artificial intelligence (AI) policies requires data professionals to focus on strategy, governance, and risk management, according to Edwin Concepcion, Philippine country manager of Straits Interactive.

In an exclusive interview with Daily Guardian, Concepcion emphasized the importance of clear AI use cases aligned with organizational strategy to build a robust AI governance framework.

“Data privacy professionals should align with the organization’s strategy and devise a plan,” he said. “This should incorporate risk management, where the potential for error associated with the AI systems specific to the organization’s use case are assessed.”

Concepcion recommended adopting international standards like ISO/IEC 42001 to contextualize governance frameworks for organizational requirements.

He highlighted the growing demand for skills in data governance, ethics, accountability, transparency, and risk management as crucial for navigating the rapidly evolving AI governance market.

“Business professionals must develop a deeper knowledge of data and ethics around AI, especially accountability and transparency,” Concepcion added.

In the Philippines, AI policy development is gaining momentum. In 2024, House Bill 10944, known as the Artificial Intelligence Act, was introduced, proposing the creation of the Philippine Artificial Intelligence Board (PAIB).

The bill mandates a centralized database for AI systems and outlines penalties for violations, emphasizing ethical AI deployment and minimizing harm to individuals.

“This should be taken well into consideration by Data Protection Officers, Governance, or Compliance professionals,” Concepcion said.

Concepcion also pointed to existing privacy regulations such as the Data Privacy Act, which enforces human oversight in AI-driven decision-making systems.

He urged data professionals to see themselves not as roadblocks but as enablers of ethical AI implementation.

“They are essential in ensuring that it is implemented in a responsible and ethical manner,” he said.

On the integration of generative AI into data protection, Concepcion said organizations can use techniques like data minimization and synthetic data while maintaining human oversight to ensure compliance and ethical standards.

Real-world applications, such as AI-powered fraud detection by PayPal and JP Morgan Chase, demonstrate the potential for enhanced data protection through AI.

“Investing in secure AI systems with proactive threat detection and automated response mechanisms is crucial,” Concepcion said.

He also noted that AI could revolutionize learning by providing personalized content and intelligent tutoring systems, enabling deeper engagement for professionals developing AI governance skills.

Straits Interactive is addressing these needs by offering International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) training programs, including the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification.

“The program is designed for professionals working in AI development, deployment, or oversight,” Concepcion explained.

As organizations face challenges in implementing AI governance frameworks, Concepcion advised starting small and leveraging existing resources.

“AI governance must fit the organization’s unique context and needs,” he said. “Building a network with other professionals in the field can also provide valuable insights.”

Looking to the future, Concepcion foresees an increasing focus on ethics, transparency, and accountability in AI governance.

“By fostering a culture of responsible innovation, data professionals can shape the future of AI governance,” he concluded.