How to Draft an AI Policy in Late 2026
A step-by-step guide to rising concerns, new requirements, and why your company's AI policy is probably outdated | Edition #326
TL;DR
- AI policies written before late 2026 are likely outdated due to AI becoming an embedded operational layer and evolving regulations.
- An effective AI policy must now aim for responsible adoption, risk governance, compliance controls, and protection against security threats.
- Companies must comply with new regulations, such as the EU AI Act's enforcement phase, which includes transparency requirements for AI interactions, deepfakes, and biometric systems.
- A comprehensive AI inventory is crucial to identify all AI systems in use, how they are utilized, and by whom, including 'shadow AI'.
- An AI policy should be structured around risk tiers, with different levels of controls and procedures for each tier of AI system.
- AI policies are living documents that require continuous updates to respond to organizational changes, compliance requirements, and technological developments.