?? What Is an AI Governance Professional?

AI Policy, Compliance & Regulation Must-Reads | Edition #176

?? Hi,?Luiza Jarovsky?here. Welcome to our?176th edition, read by 54,600+ subscribers in 165+ countries. Not a subscriber yet? Join us.

?? We are a leading AI governance publication helping to shape the future of AI policy, compliance & regulation. It's great to have you here!

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?? What Is an AI Governance Professional?

In 2024, with the enactment of the EU AI Act, the release of numerous AI governance frameworks, and the launch of new professional certifications, we saw a surge in AI governance professionals entering the workforce, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

But what exactly is an AI governance professional, and what kinds of jobs could fit this definition?

Many people assume that being an AI governance professional requires a legal degree. This is a misconception. AI governance, from a professional perspective, is an umbrella term encompassing various fields, skills, and areas of expertise.

Let's start with a definition of AI governance. I like this one from IBM because it highlights how broad the term is and how different skills might fit in:

“AI governance refers to the processes, standards, and guardrails that help ensure AI systems and tools are safe and ethical. AI governance frameworks direct AI research, development, and application to help ensure safety, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Effective AI governance includes oversight mechanisms that address risks such as bias, privacy infringement, and misuse while fostering innovation and building trust. An ethical AI-centered approach to AI governance requires the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, including AI developers, users, policymakers and ethicists, ensuring that AI-related systems are developed and used to align with society's values.”

In a nutshell, AI governance focuses on making sure AI is safe, ethical, and legally compliant. This will only be possible if professionals from various fields get involved and apply their specific skills and expertise with a focus on governing AI.

When we look at AI development and deployment from multiple angles, these are some of the key professionals needed to make AI governance happen:

• Engineers
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• Social scientists
• Ethicists
• Lawyers
• Lawmakers
• Auditors
• Business consultants
• Educators
• Product managers
• Marketers
• Designers

and more.

It's frustrating to see people and organizations frame AI governance too narrowly as if only those with an “AI governance” title or a specific degree or certification would be qualified to support AI governance efforts. This is not only incorrect but also counterproductive. Why?

Especially given the fast pace of AI development, deployment, and integration into existing systems and technologies, everyone must get involved.

From educators to engineers, researchers, lawyers, policymakers, lawmakers, business consultants, social scientists, designers, product managers, and many others—anyone interested can learn, train, upskill, and apply their existing expertise to AI governance, helping to ensure AI is developed and deployed safely, ethically, and legally.

As I wrote earlier today, AI governance is a growing field, and its legal boundaries are still being defined. Those who speak up now will shape the future of AI.

?? AI Governance Training: Spring Cohort

I invite you to join the 19th cohort of my AI Governance Training to upskill and get ready for emerging legal and ethical challenges in AI governance. The program goes beyond standard certifications and focuses on critical thinking and in-depth learning.

It includes 12+ hours of live sessions with me, curated self-study materials, quizzes, a certificate, a 1-year paid subscription to this newsletter, 13 CPE credits, a networking session with peers, and office hours for career topics.

?? The spring cohort begins in April. Register today and join 1,100+ professionals from 50+ countries who have advanced their careers with us: Register Today

*We offer discounts for students, NGO members, and individuals in career transition. To apply, fill out this form.

?? Unpopular Opinion

AI could fundamentally alter our shared understanding of reality.

?? Share your thoughts on LinkedIn, X, or in the comments section below.

?? Top 25 Papers on AI and the Legal Profession

?? Thousands of people have joined our Learning Center and receive our daily emails with must-read papers and additional resources: Join the Learning Center

??? Can Humans Really Oversee AI?

Dozens of countries have already enacted or are currently debating their AI laws and legal frameworks.

In Sunday's paid subscriber edition, I argued that there is an overreliance on human oversight in legal frameworks and that, in many cases, human oversight is extremely difficult to implement and may be ineffective.

This is an essential topic, especially for those working in AI governance, policy, and compliance and trying to reduce risks related to fundamental rights.

?? Don't miss my article: Can Humans Really Oversee AI?

??? Live Event: AI Compliance Challenges

The EU AI Act has entered into force, but there are still many compliance gaps in AI. If you're interested in the legal challenges of AI, I invite you to join my live conversation with Philipp Hacker in March. Here’s why:

Philipp Hacker is Chair for Law and Ethics of the Digital Society at the European New School of Digital Studies at the European University Viadrina Frankfurt. His research focuses on the regulation of digital technologies, particularly concerning AI. He is also a member of the Task Force AI Governance for the German Federal Government and co-chairs the Working Group on “AI Liability” for the European Parliament.

In this live talk, we'll discuss:

→ Some of the EU AI Act's legal gaps and what companies should expect;

→ The AI liability dilemma;

→ AI manipulation and transparency challenges;

→ AI bias & fairness; and more.

?? This is an open event, so feel free to invite your friends. I hope to see you there: Register for the Live Talk

??? 10 Principles for AI Use in Government

The UK has published 10 principles for AI use in government and public sector organizations. Many will find the 118-page AI Playbook extremely interesting:

Principle 1: You know what AI is and what its limitations are

Principle 2: You use AI lawfully, ethically, and responsibly

Principle 3: You know how to use AI securely

Principle 4: You have meaningful human control at the right stage

Principle 5: You understand how to manage the AI life cycle

Principle 6: You use the right tool for the job

Principle 7: You are open and collaborative

Principle 8: You work with commercial colleagues from the start

Principle 9: You have the skills and expertise needed to implement & use AI

Principle 10: You use these principles alongside your organization’s policies and have the right assurance in place

?? AI Book Club: What Are You Reading?

Our 18th recommended book was "Your Face Belongs to Us: A Tale of AI, a Secretive Startup, and the End of Privacy," by Kashmir Hill.

?? See the full book list and join 2,350+ readers who never miss our book recommendations: Join the Book Club

?? Looking for a Job in AI Governance?

?? Every week, we send job seekers an email alert with new job openings in privacy and AI governance. To increase your chances, explore our global job board and subscribe to our free weekly alerts: Receive Job Alerts

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?? Have a great day, and see you soon!

Luiza