Can AI become an ally of data governance?
Trust in artificial intelligence does not depend on its models alone. It also starts with the information that feeds them and the way organizations manage it.
The figure poses a challenge for organizations looking to adopt artificial intelligence: deploying advanced technology does not guarantee reliable results if the information feeding it is not ready.
Gartner also predicts that through 2026, organizations will abandon 60% of AI projects that are not supported by AI-ready data. This projection underlines the importance of treating data management as part of the AI strategy.
Two dimensions, one shared goal: trust
Data governance and AI governance complement each other, but each one addresses different responsibilities.
Data governance
Defines how information is managed and controlled throughout its lifecycle.
- Data owners and accountability.
- Quality, consistency and traceability.
- Security, privacy and appropriate use.
AI governance
Establishes how intelligent systems are developed, deployed and supervised.
- Risk and bias management.
- Transparency and human oversight.
- Monitoring and accountability.
While data governance sets the conditions for using trustworthy information, AI governance helps control how that information is used and what results it produces.
References such as DAMA-DMBOK, the NIST AI RMF and ISO/IEC 42001 offer frameworks to guide these practices across data management and artificial intelligence systems.
When information fails, decisions can fail too
Imagine a financial institution that uses AI to detect potentially fraudulent transactions. If its customer information is outdated, contains duplicate records or lacks traceability, the system could raise incorrect alerts or miss suspicious behavior.
Trust does not depend on the algorithm alone
Data governance makes it possible to define criteria for managing and validating information. AI governance helps control the system, evaluate its results and establish oversight mechanisms. Both are needed to reduce risk and make decisions more reliable.
Trust in AI starts before you deploy it
Artificial intelligence can transform the way organizations analyze information and make decisions. However, unlocking its potential requires data management that goes beyond the technology rollout.
A chain of trust
Technology, information and controls must work together.
Data governance sets the conditions for information to be reliable and used responsibly. AI governance, in turn, helps keep control over the systems that process that information.
The challenge is not only adopting artificial intelligence, but building the foundations to use it in a reliable, secure and sustainable way.
AI can transform business decisions, but trust starts with how data is governed.
Trustworthy AI starts with governed data
Go deeper into this topic and find out how to prepare your information to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence.
References
- Gartner. Press release, February 2025. gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases