This informal CPD article, ‘Why AI Governance Is Emerging as a Career Path’, was provided by Jess Pembroke, Director of Information Law Services at Naomi Korn Associates, a UK-based leader specialising in copyright, data protection and licensing.
The importance of AI Governance
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes embedded in everything from healthcare diagnostics to recruitment tools and customer service chatbots, the need for responsible legal and ethical oversight has never been greater. AI governance such as the development and implementation of the appropriate frameworks, policies, and practices that ensure AI is developed and used ethically, legally, and safely is emerging as a distinct need across every organisation which is deploying AI tools to improve efficiency, automate decisions.
Some recent examples of uses of AI and its challenges include:
- Major Tennis Tournament 2025: AI Line-Calling Issues
The tournament replaced human line judges with an automated line-calling technology, but it experienced several problems: the system was left off during a match. A public apology followed, with calls to bring back human oversight.
- A Popular File-Sharing Service
The company faced criticism when updates to its terms of service were interpreted by some as permitting the use of uploaded files for AI model training. In response, the service provider clarified that it does not use customer files to train AI and does not sell user data to third parties.2
- A Major Social Media Platform
The company's AI app and website, where users’ search queries can be posted to a public “Discover” feed. This feed can display usernames and profile pictures, raising the possibility that searches could be linked back to individuals' social accounts. Users may not be fully aware that their interactions with the AI may be visible to the public and potentially traceable thus disclosing their personal information, including views and beliefs.3
AI Professionals: A new call for accountability
AI governance professionals have an opportunity to help steer the responsible use of AI by conducting risk assessments, ensuring compliance with data protection laws like the UK GDPR, and advising on ethical deployment. Their work is increasingly important as businesses implement new processes, as retrofitting privacy or legal compliance can be difficult. As with all applications involving personal data, it is necessary to incorporate appropriate practices from the beginning.
AI governance professionals are often working across the business, collaborating between legal, compliance, IT, and operational teams.
Common responsibilities include:
- Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) for AI systems
- Reviewing AI supply chains and vendor security and compliance
- Developing internal policies for AI use
- Reviewing AI tools for fairness, accuracy, and security
- Advising on regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act
- Considering how to avoid bias in algorithms and other ethical concerns.
Professionals from a range of backgrounds, including Data Protection Officers and Compliance Managers are moving into these roles. The field is creating new job titles such as “Head of AI Governance,” “AI Solutions Analyst,” and “AI Lead,” reflecting the growing demand for this area of expertise.
For information law professionals, this is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of technology. To succeed in AI governance, professionals need a blend of legal knowledge, technical understanding, and ethical awareness.
Key skills will likely include:
- Understanding of data protection and cybersecurity principles
- Familiarity with AI technologies and their implications
- Ability to assess and mitigate risks
- Strong communication and policy development skills
AI governance training can equip professionals with skills relevant to an evolving field. Training and development in this area may help prepare individuals for emerging roles and career pathways as organisations increasingly prioritise responsible AI deployment. Professionals with up-to-date governance skills are likely to be valued by employers seeking to implement trustworthy AI systems.
By investing in AI governance, organisations can ensure that their use of AI aligns with legal standards which can prevent potential problems further down the line.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Naomi Korn Associates, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
References:
Wimbledon 2025: Changes made to electronic line calling after 'human error' - BBC Sport https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/c3vd1w9kr3lo
WeTransfer says files not used to train AI after backlash - BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp8mp79gyz1o
Meta AI searches made public - but do all its users realise? - BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0573lj172jo
