Experts Discuss Governance in the Age of AI
At The Hindu Tech Summit 2026, held in Chennai, thought leaders from various sectors underscored the need for updating governance models to respond to the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). During a session titled ‘Governance, Risk, and Intelligence: The Next GRC Framework,’ experts emphasized that as AI systems increasingly dictate real-time decisions, existing governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) frameworks lag behind, posing new and often poorly understood risks.
Notable experts such as Balakrishna Kanniah, Vice President of IT, IS and Digital at Alten India Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the historic shift in how governance is perceived. Unlike previous years when GRC was largely audit-driven, today it is becoming a principal catalyst for operational success across various domains.
The Urgency for Real-Time Governance
Gowdhaman Jothilingam, Global CISO and Head of IT at LatentView Analytics Ltd., remarked that companies are now focused more on governing decision-making processes than on managing infrastructure. Jothilingam stated, “The real differentiator today is accountability, not merely the stability of the infrastructure. Organizations must adapt their decision-making frameworks to align with the dynamic requirements of the digital age.” This emphasis on accountability is critical given that operational risks in AI heavily rely on the decisions made at every organizational level.
Vennimalai Sundaresan, Vice President of Data Governance at Standard Chartered, pointed out a significant disparity between traditional governance systems and the evolving technological landscape. He noted, “While financial institutions have robust regulatory frameworks, aligning these existing models with adaptive, real-time technologies poses its own set of challenges.” According to him, contemporary governance processes are often out of sync with the fast-paced, real-time functionalities of AI and cloud technology, which further complicates risk management in various sectors.
Challenges with AI and Governance
Understanding AI’s Unique Learning Processes
Sakthi Balan Muthaiah, a professor at Shiv Nadar University, outlined an intriguing issue surrounding AI: anthropomorphism. He stated that the terminology associated with AI often leads to misconceptions about its capabilities. “We talk about intelligence and learning as if AI behaves like humans, but that is fundamentally incorrect. AI learns through pattern recognition rather than through human-like processes,” he explained. This misinterpretation can create significant challenges in compliance and auditing, where accurate assessments are vital.
Muthaiah’s comments underscore a critical issue in the realm of AI governance: the necessity for frameworks that can adapt to AI’s unconventional nature of learning and operational behavior. He urged organizations to invest in training and awareness programs that clarify how AI functions compared to traditional systems.
Creating Effective Governance Frameworks
Integrating Governance into Organizational Culture
As discussions unfolded, it became evident that effective governance requires more than just oversight; it must become ingrained in the organizational culture. Leadership is increasingly demanding real-time dashboards and greater visibility into risk factors. Sundaresan emphasized, “Governance can no longer be an external supervisory layer; it must be integrated into every facet of the organization’s operations.” This fusion of governance into the fabric of decision-making processes provides organizations with a more holistic view of potential risks and allows for proactive measures.
The discussion raised the critical need for additional resources and training to facilitate this integration. Attendees recognized that organizations must prioritize ongoing education about AI’s functionalities and potential consequences to enhance their governance strategies.
Future Directions for GRC Frameworks
The urgency for immediate reform in GRC frameworks cannot be overstated. Experts expressed that as AI technology evolves, the necessity for adaptive governance mechanisms that account for real-time decision-making processes will be paramount. “Organizations must not only rethink their governance models but also act swiftly to implement reforms,” Kanniah stated.
Many experts suggested the formation of collaborative networks that would draw in key stakeholders from various sectors. By creating a dialogue between regulatory bodies, corporations, and academic institutions, a new governance paradigm can emerge that addresses not only the risks inherent in current technologies but also those anticipated from future advancements.
Moreover, organizations should consider investing in technologies that can help bridge the gap between traditional governance models and modern operational frameworks. Cloud-based solutions and machine learning can assist in automating monitoring processes, allowing organizations to respond more agilely to emerging risks.
Public Sector versus Private Sector Governance
The session also drew a distinction between public and private sector governance strategies. While financial institutions have developed strong regulatory measures over the years, the private sector often lacks such rigorous oversight mechanisms. Experts argued that creating standard compliance benchmarks across various industries could address this disparity.
Real-time technology allows private firms to innovate rapidly, but without proper regulatory frameworks, opportunities for risk exposure multiply. The need for a harmonized approach to GRC could set the groundwork for increased trust and accountability among stakeholders.
The Role of Education and Awareness
Educating leadership on the implications of AI and promoting a culture of accountability are essential to effective governance. Muthaiah stressed, “Simply having models in place is not enough. The leadership must be equipped with a clear understanding of what AI entails and how it functions to make informed decisions.” This understanding can foster a stronger governance framework that is adaptable to continuous technological changes.
The insights gained from the Tech Summit provide a roadmap for how organizations can better navigate this complex landscape. By revamping their governance models and making them more responsive to real-time challenges, organizations can bolster their resilience against emerging risks.
Concluding Thoughts
As the technological landscape continues to evolve, the need for robust governance frameworks will only grow in importance. Organizations must invest in both resources and strategic planning to ensure they are not merely reactive but proactive in their governance approach. The feedback provided during the summit indicates that while challenges persist, there is a pathway forward through collaboration and education.
In summary, the recommendations from The Hindu Tech Summit 2026 highlight the importance of transitioning from traditional GRC approaches to frameworks that are more suited for the AI era. As organizations confront the unique challenges posed by AI, they must rethink their governance strategies to safeguard against new types of risks.