AI Governance Frameworks
Navigate the EU AI Act, NIST AI RMF, and build effective internal governance processes
The Regulatory Landscape
AI regulation is moving fast. Three frameworks currently shape how organizations must govern their AI systems:
EU AI Act (2024)
The world's first comprehensive AI regulation. Risk-based approach: - **Unacceptable risk** (banned): Social scoring, real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces, manipulation of vulnerable people - **High risk** (strict requirements): AI in hiring, credit, education, law enforcement, medical devices, critical infrastructure. Must have human oversight, be transparent, maintain accuracy and robustness - **Limited risk** (transparency requirements): Chatbots must disclose they are AI - **Minimal risk**: No regulation (spam filters, AI in video games)
NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF)
A voluntary US framework with four functions: Govern, Map, Measure, Manage. Provides a vocabulary and process for AI risk management without mandating specific technical approaches. More practical for implementation than the EU AI Act.
Internal governance minimum viable process
For any high-stakes AI deployment, implement at minimum: an AI risk register, a pre-deployment review checklist, defined human oversight procedures, an incident reporting process, and scheduled model reviews.