[CXOTALK #863] Personal Perspectives from a CIA Privacy Professional: AI Governance and Ethics

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On CXOTalk episode 863, join a fascinating conversation with Jacqueline Acker, Esq., a privacy professional from the Central Intelligence Agency, as we explore the critical intersection of AI governance, ethics, and national security. This episode offers unique insights into the personal views of how the CIA approaches AI ethics and governance while balancing operational security with transparency.

Drawing from her experience at the CIA, Acker discusses the practical challenges of implementing ethical AI frameworks in high-stakes environments. She shares valuable perspectives on developing robust governance processes, establishing accountability structures, and creating effective compliance programs for AI systems.

Key topics will include:

• Building ethical AI programs that balance innovation with responsibility

• Practical approaches to AI governance and risk management

• The role of leadership in fostering ethical AI culture

• Similarities and differences between government and private sector AI ethics

• Best practices for AI ethics auditing and compliance

This episode provides business and technology leaders with actionable insights from the intelligence community's approach to AI ethics, offering valuable lessons for organizations developing their own ethical AI frameworks.

During the live show, ask questions on Twitter using #cxotalk. We also stream live to LinkedIn.

Episode Participants

Jacqueline Acker, Esq., is a Deputy Privacy and Civil Liberties officer at the Central Intelligence Agency.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 2010, followed by a Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa College of Law in 2013. Her academic journey set the stage for her future achievements, particularly in the areas of privacy, data security, and ethical technology. Since January 2022, Jackie has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor at American University Washington College of Law, teaching Information Privacy and Data Security. Her role involves educating students on privacy laws and integrating emerging issues into the curriculum, preparing the next generation of professionals in this critical field.

Michael Krigsman is a globally recognized analyst, strategic advisor, and industry commentator known for his deep expertise in digital transformation, innovation, and leadership. He has presented at industry events worldwide and written extensively on the reasons for IT failures. His work has been referenced in the media over 1,000 times and in more than 50 books and journal articles; his commentary on technology trends and business strategy reaches a global audience.

Nov 29: No show

Dec 6: Bernardo Mariano Junior, Assistant Secretary General, Chief Information Technology Officer, United Nations

Dec 13: Jacqueline M. Acker, J.D., Esq., Deputy Privacy and Civil Liberties Officer, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Dec 20: Dr. David Bray, Dr. Anthony Scriffignano, and Dr. Anastassia Lauterbach. Discussion on ethical and responsible AI

Dec 27: No show

Jan 10: Adriana Karaboutis, Corporate Board Director: Autoliv, Aon Insurance, Perrigo Company, Savills, etc.

Jan 24: Praveen Akkiraju, Managing Director, Insight partners

Feb 21: Jenifer Robertson, President, AT&T Consumer

In CXOTalk episode #860, AI pioneer Dr. Terrence Sejnowski explores how neural networks and AI are transforming work and society. A fascinating look at AI's impact on jobs and human potential.

Take a look a highlights from this conversation.

Embrace lifelong learning for your workforce.

• Provide opportunities for employees to upskill and reskill in AI-related technologies through online courses, workshops, and mentorship programs. Focus on the practical application of AI tools within their current roles.

• Cultivate a continuous learning and adaptability culture within your organization to navigate the evolving technological landscape and maintain a competitive edge.

Integrate AI strategically to augment human capabilities.

• View AI as a tool to enhance productivity and decision-making rather than a complete replacement for human workers. Prioritize AI applications that complement existing workflows and address specific business challenges.

• Focus on areas where AI excels, such as data analysis, pattern recognition, and automation of repetitive tasks, while leveraging human expertise for complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.

Develop a robust data strategy.

• Prioritize data quality, accuracy, and completeness as the foundation for successful AI implementation. Invest in data governance frameworks, cleaning processes, and robust data management systems.

• Tailor data collection and curation practices to align with specific business objectives and ethical considerations. Recognize the potential for bias in datasets and implement strategies for mitigation.

Prioritize explainability and ethical considerations in AI deployment.

• Seek AI solutions offering transparency and insights into their decision-making processes, especially in critical areas like healthcare and finance. Encourage the development of "fact-checking" layers to enhance reliability.

• Establish clear ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment within your organization. Consider the potential societal impact of AI systems and strive to minimize harm and promote fairness.

Prepare for the evolving future of work.

• Recognize that AI will reshape job roles and organizational structures over time. Foster a culture of agility and encourage employees to embrace change and adapt to new working methods.

• Explore how AI can enable new collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams and departments. Consider re-evaluating traditional hierarchies and embracing more fluid, cross-functional teams.

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