How Do We Ensure AI Serves People, Not Replaces Them?

This is the question I keep coming back to as AI becomes more prevalent in our workplaces. And I think the answer lies in something that might seem mundane or unexpected, but let me tell you why it is potentially what will save us all.
My answer: Governance.
A recent OneTrust report reveals that companies are now spending 37% more time on AI governance than they were just 12 months ago. But here's what really caught my attention: 75% of business leaders say AI is exposing the limitations of their legacy governance processes.
This tells me we're at a pivotal moment. AI isn't just another tool to plug into existing systems. It's fundamentally changing how we need to think about governance, risk, and oversight. And that's actually where our opportunity lies.
The concern about AI replacing workers is valid. The accessibility community has always championed human-centered design and the irreplaceable value of human expertise and judgment. If we want AI to augment rather than replace human work, governance is how we make that happen.
Good governance means being intentional about:
- Where AI should be used and where human expertise remains essential
- Ensuring AI tools are designed with accessibility at their core
- Building frameworks that include diverse perspectives
- Creating transparency around how AI is being used and what risks we're managing
- Advocating for the resources needed to implement AI responsibly

The data shows 44% of companies are most concerned about cybersecurity vulnerabilities, while over a third worry about third-party AI uses and data governance gaps. These concerns reflect a deeper issue: we're adopting AI faster than we're building the frameworks to use it wisely.

My take: AI serves people when we're willing to invest in doing it right. Good governance isn't bureaucracy. It's how we define boundaries, protect workers, and ensure technology enhances rather than replaces human capability. It's what makes sustainable innovation possible.

We have a unique opportunity to shape how AI gets implemented in our organizations. We can be the voices ensuring governance frameworks center on human needs and values. The question isn't whether AI is coming anymore. It's whether we're building the guardrails that ensure it serves us.

What governance practices are you seeing that actually protect people while enabling innovation?

Let’s get out there and make it real!

Source: Forbes CIO Newsletter by Megan Poinski