Synopsis: Phaedra Boinodiris, global leader for Trustworthy AI for IBM Consulting, dives into the governance challenges organizations are encountering as they operationalize AI.
In this episode of the Techstrong AI video series, Mike Vizard interviews Phaedra Boinodiris, IBM Consulting’s global lead for trustworthy AI, about the challenges and misconceptions surrounding AI governance. Boinodiris emphasizes that many people lack a true understanding of AI and governance, leading to significant accountability gaps. Organizations often fail to identify who is responsible for AI outcomes, and many assume they don’t use AI when, in reality, it is embedded in various business tools. She underscores the importance of AI literacy and governance, which goes beyond technical issues to include ethical and regulatory considerations. With AI’s probabilistic nature clashing with deterministic business processes, she warns of the risks involved when governance frameworks fail to address the complexities of AI models, including biases and unintended consequences.
Boinodiris further highlights the growing concerns around AI security, regulatory oversight and ethical decision-making. Many companies neglect to involve cybersecurity leaders in AI discussions, leaving vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. She points out that even well-intentioned organizations can cause harm due to poor governance and a lack of literacy. As lawsuits related to AI errors increase, there is a pressing need for businesses and individuals to improve their understanding of AI’s societal impact. Boinodiris advocates for integrating AI literacy into education across disciplines, from philosophy to government, ensuring a more holistic approach. Ultimately, she stresses that AI governance must evolve continuously, and the key to responsible AI use lies in fostering lifelong learning and critical thinking.
