Questions Board Directors Should Ask About Data Governance in AI

Data governance in AI is a critical area that requires board oversight to ensure that AI initiatives align with the organization's strategic goals, comply with regulations, and maintain ethical standards. Here are essential questions board directors should consider:

1. How is data governance integrated into our overall AI strategy?

Understanding the strategic fit and alignment of data governance within the broader AI roadmap is crucial. This includes assessing the organization's AI maturity and readiness to embrace data governance practices.

2. What measures are in place to ensure data privacy and security in our AI systems?

Directors need to inquire about the specific practices and technologies used to protect sensitive data and maintain privacy in compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

3. How do we address the potential biases in AI data?

It's important to explore the ethical frameworks and guidelines established to prevent biases in AI. Google’s recent Gemini controversy highlights the downside of flawed frameworks and guidelines.

4. What is our approach to data governance, and who is responsible for it?

Clarifying the governance framework for AI, including accountability structures and the roles of different stakeholders in managing AI-related risks, is essential.

5. How do we measure the effectiveness and ROI of our AI initiatives?

Understanding the metrics used to evaluate AI projects is crucial for directors to assess whether these initiatives are delivering value and aligning with business objectives.

6. How are we adapting our data governance policies to keep pace with the evolving regulatory landscape for AI?

Board directors must inquire about the organization's agility in updating data governance policies in response to new AI regulations and standards, ensuring compliance and ethical use of data.

7. What initiatives are in place to enhance our board's understanding of data governance in AI?

Directors should seek information on educational programs and expert consultations that enhance the board's capability to oversee data governance in AI effectively.

8. How does our data governance strategy address the talent and cultural shifts brought by AI?

This question aims to understand the organization's approach to managing changes in workforce skills and organizational culture due to AI, ensuring that data governance policies are understood and embraced across the company.

9. In what ways are we engaging stakeholders in our data governance and AI practices?

Directors should ask about the strategies for transparent communication and stakeholder involvement in data governance, ensuring that the organization's practices are aligned with stakeholder expectations and ethical standards[1].

10. What contingency plans do we have for data-related risks and incidents in our AI initiatives?

It is important to understand the risk management strategies and contingency plans specifically related to data privacy, security breaches, and compliance failures in AI applications.

Many questions above are covered in or inspired by the Athena Alliance AI Goverance Playbook. By focusing these questions on data governance within AI, board directors can ensure they are addressing the critical aspects of data management, regulatory compliance, ethical considerations, and stakeholder engagement that are essential for responsible AI deployment.