As the co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Holistic AI, a provider of artificial intelligence governance software, the one question I’ve been asked repeatedly since the U.S. election is, “What will happen if Trump backs off on initiatives related to AI safety in the U.S.?”

Given my background — over a decade of researching AI ethics and five years building a company dedicated to AI safety, risk mitigation and governance — you might expect me to be alarmed at the prospect of this. Yet I remain optimistic.

Why? Because I know, beyond any doubt, that the corporate world, driven by self-interest, will embrace AI to accelerate returns and outperform competitors. And, in the process, they will ensure that they safeguard the reputation of their brands through AI governance.

It’s not presidential directives but market forces, competition and public opinion that will make AI governance a business imperative.

Companies will act proactively, and they will move quickly to ensure governance for all AI use cases across the enterprise outpaces government mandates. Ultimately, this will be a positive outcome for society. Let me explain.

Companies are stepping up — with or without regulation

Forward-thinking enterprises such as Unilever and MAPFRE have prioritized AI governance long before regulations demanded it. These companies and many others understand that AI adoption is existential to their survival, with the winners of tomorrow being determined by their ability to harness AI effectively.

Furthermore, these companies understand that their brand’s reputation is one of their most valuable assets. Missteps with AI — especially in mission critical contexts (think of a trading algorithm going AWOL, a breach of user privacy or a failure to meet safety standards) — can erode public trust and harm a company’s bottom line.

The good news? The rise of AI adoption is being met with a corresponding surge in interest in AI governance. This is happening regardless of political or regulatory environments. Companies are driven not just by the fear of future regulation but by tangible business incentives:

• Increased customer trust: A well-governed AI system reduces the risk of public backlash, protecting a brand’s reputation and fostering loyalty.
• Accelerated AI deployment: AI governance ensures smoother operations and mitigates ethical concerns, clearing roadblocks to production.
• Higher ROI: By reducing wasted AI investments and avoiding costly missteps, companies can maximize returns on their AI initiatives.
• Safety and compliance: Strong governance builds robust, secure, and privacy-respecting AI systems, aligning with consumer and industry expectations.

These are not abstract benefits — they are real drivers for why companies are embracing AI governance even in the absence of stringent government mandates.

A broader shift: accountability in the age of AI

As AI becomes a cornerstone of innovation, companies increasingly recognize the stakes. It’s not just about doing the right thing — though that’s important — it’s also about staying competitive. AI mismanagement can lead to catastrophic reputational damage, but effective AI governance can be a differentiator, setting leaders apart in their industries.

For society, this trend is incredibly encouraging. When companies bake AI governance into their strategies from the outset, they don’t just safeguard their brands; they also protect the public. Consumers, now more informed and vocal than ever, are demanding ethical and safe AI systems, and brands that fail to deliver risk irrelevance.

Beyond politics: Why corporate interests will prevail

The political climate is undoubtedly important, but history has shown that business innovation often outpaces regulation. While government oversight can — and should — provide guardrails, the market’s demand for accountability and trust in AI systems has already set the tone.

The message is clear: Businesses that neglect AI governance do so at their peril — not because regulators might catch them, but because they could fall behind in the AI race. You need to move fast to beat your competitors, and you need to be safe to protect your customers, because they will not be forgiving if you put them or their data at risk.

In the end, I believe companies will act intelligently. Yes, they’ll act to protect their reputations. Yes, they’ll act out of self-interest to accelerate their AI initiatives and increase returns. But these motivations align beautifully with the broader societal good: the deployment of safe, secure and reliable AI.

So, while headlines may paint a picture of regulatory uncertainty, the reality is far brighter. Corporate reputation and market forces are ensuring that AI governance is not just an afterthought — it’s a business imperative. And that’s good news for everyone.

Emre Kazim is co-founder and co-CEO of Holistic AI. He wrote this article for SiliconANGLE.

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