AI Adoption: Learning From The Rollout of BYOD

Over the past few weeks, I have been digging deeper into our conversation about AI transparency. The poll we ran showed a lean toward an opt-out model, but after numerous discussions, I have gathered that such a model might only be feasible for some businesses. AI is reshaping how we develop products and offer novel experiences. Expecting companies to maintain dual-track offerings—AI-powered and non-AI—seems unrealistic in our capital-driven world. It is more about choosing products that align with our AI expectations.

A significant concern raised was data privacy. The big question: if consumer data is fed into AI, how can we ensure it is used appropriately? This challenge reminds me of the shift to BYOD policies in companies. Remember the transition from strict no-BYOD to a gradual acceptance spurred by security-conscious laggards who eventually created new tools for safe integration? I see a similar path for AI—an adoption curve leading to new tech verticals aimed at integrating AI into our workforce while respecting data privacy.

Here is the thing: the current discourse on AI regulation is mainly in the hands of government regulators, not tech experts. Their focus? AGI and superintelligence. This leaves a gap—and an opportunity—for us technologists to steer the conversation on practical AI integration.

So, what if we took a leaf out of the MPAA or ESRB's book? Imagine an industry body that sets voluntary yet widely recognized standards for AI use—think of it as self-regulation to keep governmental overreach at bay. It is a big idea requiring more than just tech expertise. We would need marketing and brand-building mavens to turn this into a trusted household name.

That is where I am now—pondering the creation of a body that could guide AI integration responsibly, much like the MPAA does for movies. It is a voluntary standard, yet so ingrained in our industry that it becomes almost indispensable.

I am eager to hear your thoughts. Could such a body work? What would it take to build this level of trust and recognition?