IAPP’s AI Governance Professional Body of Knowledge: Empowering Professionals for the Future

TL;DR:

  • The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has released the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional Body of Knowledge (BoK).
  • The BoK serves as a foundational document for the AIGP certification and training in AI governance.
  • It outlines the key information and skills required for AI governance professionals to guide AI implementation safely and responsibly.
  • The BoK will be regularly updated to keep up with the rapidly changing AI landscape.
  • It covers topics such as machine learning fundamentals, unique aspects of AI, safety research, and regulatory obligations.
  • The BoK is a collaborative effort involving leading experts from various fields.
  • Privacy professionals are well-positioned to lead AI initiatives and can benefit from achieving the AIGP certification.

Main AI News:

In a transformative move, the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) has unveiled its highly anticipated Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional Body of Knowledge (BoK). This groundbreaking document serves as the cornerstone for the forthcoming AIGP certification and training, designed to equip individuals with the necessary expertise to navigate the complex landscape of AI governance.

The BoK is a comprehensive compendium that captures the essential information and skills required for the AIGP certification exam. With its six distinct sections, it outlines the pivotal role of AI governance professionals in guiding the implementation of AI systems, mitigating risks, and ensuring safety and trust in this ever-evolving domain.

As the world rapidly changes, our aim is to provide a valuable resource for those involved in the breadth of AI governance,” stated Doug Forman, Certification Director at IAPP. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the field, the BoK will be regularly updated every six months to incorporate the latest advancements and insights.

Future iterations of the BoK will introduce “Exam Blueprint numbers,” offering a clear breakdown of the questions from each section that candidates can expect in the AIGP certification exam. Forman emphasized that familiarity with the BoK’s content is essential for aspiring professionals, stating, “If it’s on the BoK, we expect people to have a degree of familiarity with the content.

Cornelia Kutterer, Senior Research Fellow at Université Grenoble Alpes MIAI Multidisciplinary Institute in AI and a member of the AI Governance Center Advisory Board, highlighted the significance of the BoK against the backdrop of society’s growing awareness and integration of generative AI into business operations. She stressed the need for organizations to adopt a proactive approach to effectively manage legal and ethical challenges while ensuring trustworthy AI governance.

The BoK not only serves as a valuable learning tool but also prepares professionals across diverse backgrounds for the responsibilities associated with AI systems’ integration into business operations. Kutterer affirmed, “Its release signifies a significant milestone in preparing professionals for these new responsibilities and regulatory obligations. Moreover, it empowers professionals to acquire the necessary skills and certifications, benefiting not only business professionals but also those in the public sector and civil society organizations.

The BoK encompasses the fundamental principles of machine learning, the unique aspects of AI, the evolving landscape of safety research, and the integration of regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act. Kutterer emphasized the collaborative nature of its development, with contributions from leading global voices in privacy, law, ethics, academia, computer science, and other relevant fields. Forman commended the inclusivity of the BoK, stating, “It reflects how inclusive the BoK is of the different kinds of content we have.”

The certification exam questions were crafted by a curated group of exceptional individuals who are at the forefront of their respective fields. Forman acknowledged the tremendous volunteerism and enthusiasm from IAPP members and other stakeholders, enabling the rapid development of the BoK. “A lot of people raised their hands,” he remarked, demonstrating the community’s commitment to advancing AI governance.

IBM, a staunch supporter of the initiative, leveraged its extensive experience in AI technology and technology ethics to contribute to the BoK. Christina Montgomery, Chief Privacy and Trust Officer at IBM and an AI Advisory Board member at IAPP, highlighted the iterative nature of the process, with IBM’s Tech Ethics by Design Program Director, Heather Domin, providing valuable input during the BoK’s development stages. Montgomery affirmed, “The AI BoK is the product of an outstanding collaborative effort between IAPP and leading partners. As such, it is well positioned to support those who study it or use it to gain certification in achieving the right level of knowledge needed by AI governance professionals and ultimately to apply that knowledge within their organizations.”

Brenda Leong, CIPP/US, an AI Advisory Board member and Partner at BNH.ai, plays a crucial role as the executive editor of curriculum development for the AIGP certification. Leong emphasized that privacy professionals are well-suited to lead AI initiatives within their organizations and urged them to seize the opportunity to pursue the AIGP certification. “Wherever it ends up in a company, I think there needs to be an AI focus,” she asserted. Leong further emphasized the shared risks between AI and privacy, stating that building a strong AI infrastructure starts with common ground and gradually expands to encompass the broader AI landscape.

Montgomery underscored the critical importance of IAPP’s AI work, emphasizing the increasing demand for skilled AI governance professionals worldwide. She stated, “The development of the AI BoK represents a major milestone towards expanding the number of professionals working in this area and enabling AI governance professionals around the world to do their incredibly important work.”

Conclusion:

The release of the AI Governance Professional Body of Knowledge by IAPP marks a significant milestone in the field of AI governance. The BoK provides professionals with a comprehensive resource to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for responsible AI implementation. This development signifies the growing demand for skilled AI governance professionals in the market, highlighting the increasing importance of ethical AI practices. Organizations that embrace AI governance principles and invest in certified professionals will have a competitive edge in building trustworthy and secure AI systems, fostering consumer trust and mitigating potential risks.

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