Building Trust Through AI Governance: From Risk to Responsibility

Generative AI tools have become integral to daily software development tasks. Developers use them for code generation, test automation, log analysis, documentation, and accelerating technical decision-making.​

Often, this adoption occurs even before formal internal guidelines are established, simply because these tools are convenient, fast, and effective.

However, this spontaneous usage brings potential risks:

• Data leaks when using public models without access restrictions.
• Intellectual property violations.
• Unstable or unchecked solution behavior.
• Compliance risks in projects involving personal or sensitive data.

Prohibition Isn’t the Solution

Completely banning the use of AI tools is only feasible in theory. In practice, it’s ineffective. These technologies are easily accessible, and if developers find them beneficial, they’ll use them—possibly without approval, logging, or oversight.​

We believe that the responsible path is not prohibition but AI governance.​

Why AI Governance Control Is Crucial

AI will be used regardless. It is far safer for this to occur within a visible environment than in areas where corporate policies do not apply, queries are not logged, and client interests cannot be safeguarded.

What’s Happening Globally?

EU Regulation

It is essential to note that certain legal aspects of utilizing generative AI are still evolving on a global scale. For example, the adopted EU Artificial Intelligence Act (EU AI Act) addresses these issues, but much of the regulatory framework remains under development.

This Act, which came into force on August 1, 2024, represents the world’s first comprehensive regulation of AI. It introduces a risk-based classification of AI systems and establishes corresponding requirements.
You can learn more about the EU AI Act on the official website of the European Parliament.

At the same time, it’s not just leaders in the tech industry, such as Microsoft, Google, OpenAI, and Amazon, who are actively developing AI usage policies.

Companies across a wide range of sectors are also recognizing the importance of clear, responsible frameworks for integrating generative AI into their operations.

Retail Business

Walmart has committed to the responsible use of AI, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and accountability. Their approach focuses on aligning AI practices with ethical standards to have a positive impact on customers and communities. ​

Pharmaceuticals

AstraZeneca has implemented AI governance frameworks focusing on risk management in development and procurement, harmonizing standards across decentralized organizations, and empowering employees through continuous education and change management.

Cross-Industry Initiatives

The Partnership on AI is a nonprofit coalition comprising members from diverse sectors. It aims to formulate best practices on AI technologies and advance public understanding.

Among its Board of Directors are:

Jatin Aythora – Vice-Chair of the Board, Director of BBC Research & Development

Natasha Crampton – Chief Responsible AI Officer, Microsoft

Jerremy Holland – Director of AI Research, Apple

Joelle Pineau – Vice President of AI Research, Meta

These are just a few examples that illustrate how companies are proactively developing AI policies. By establishing clear guidelines, these organizations aim to harness the benefits of AI while mitigating potential risks, ensuring compliance with evolving regulations, and maintaining trust with stakeholders.

Corporate Policy: Not a Restriction, but a Safeguard

To address this, we have developed and implemented an internal policy for utilizing GenAI tools within the Software Development Life Cycle. This policy supports both developers and the company:

• A list of approved tools that meet security and licensing requirements.
• Usage conditions: specifying scenarios where AI can be applied, and where it’s prohibited.
• Data handling requirements to prevent the transmission of confidential information to models.
• Protocols for manual review and quality assurance of AI-generated outputs.

We utilize corporately licensed tools within a controlled environment, and only with the client’s explicit consent. This is not merely a formality; it is a principle that underpins trust and long-term relationships.​

Benefits of the Policy: Beyond Risk Mitigation

Developing an internal policy isn’t just about preventing adverse outcomes; it’s also about ensuring a positive outcome. 

It’s a tool for growth and maturity:​

• Security and compliance: Ensuring adherence to legal requirements and meeting corporate client expectations.
• Client trust: Providing transparency about AI usage and the safeguards in place.
• Enhanced quality and efficiency: Automating routine tasks enables teams to operate more efficiently.
• Informed technology use: Educating staff on when AI is beneficial and when it may pose risks.
• Company maturity: Demonstrating a systematic approach to AI integration.

At First Line Software, there is complete alignment across leadership, operations, and delivery on the importance of responsible AI-powered tools integration.

“As a service provider, our commitment has always been to sustainability, quality, and the security of our services. While empowering our engineering team with GenAI tools to boost efficiency, we recognize the imperative to prioritize security and data privacy. It’s crucial for all companies leveraging GenAI in their daily operations to implement robust policies that safeguard both organizational and client interests“, Vladimir Litoshenko, Senior Vice President, First Line Software.

Contact us to learn how our AI governance approach can empower your teams while safeguarding what matters most.