What’s the Difference Between AI Governance and Data Protection?

AI governance and data protection serve complementary but distinct purposes within a legal and regulatory framework.

AI governance refers to the structures and principles that ensure artificial intelligence is developed and used in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner. It focuses on how AI systems operate, addressing issues such as fairness, accountability, explainability, and risk management. In essence, it provides the organisational and ethical guardrails that govern AI behaviour and decision-making.

Data protection is concerned with safeguarding individuals’ personal information in line with data privacy laws such as the UK GDPR. It regulates how personal data is collected, stored, and processed, ensuring that organisations handle information lawfully, fairly, and securely.

While data protection protects the individual, AI governance regulates the system. Both are essential to building trust, ensuring compliance, and enabling organisations to harness the benefits of AI within a robust legal and ethical framework.