How often should I review my AI governance?

At minimum quarterly. Also review when you adopt new AI tools, experience incidents, or when regulations change.

Do I need external help for AI governance?

Most small businesses can handle it internally with good resources. Consider external help for high-risk AI systems or complex regulatory requirements.

What's the minimum AI governance I need?

At minimum: an AI tool inventory, a basic AI policy, AI literacy training for staff, and simple incident reporting procedures.

Quick answer

Before buying an AI tool, evaluate the vendor on five dimensions: data privacy and security, EU AI Act compliance, accuracy and reliability, support and documentation, and pricing transparency.

Updated June 2026 · MmowW AI Compliance

How to Evaluate AI Vendors Before You Buy

Why This Matters

Before buying an AI tool, evaluate the vendor on five dimensions: data privacy and security, EU AI Act compliance, accuracy and reliability, support and documentation, and pricing transparency.

Under the EU AI Act, having documented AI governance demonstrates that your business takes AI compliance seriously. If regulators or clients ask how you manage AI use, pointing to established practices is far better than starting from scratch.

Data Privacy and Security Questions

Ask your potential vendor: where is our data stored and processed? Is our data used to train your AI models? What happens to our data if we cancel? What security certifications do you hold? How do you handle data breaches? Can you comply with GDPR?

Get answers in writing, not just verbal assurances. These answers form part of your compliance documentation and protect you if problems arise later.

Compliance and Accuracy Questions

Ask about EU AI Act compliance: have you conducted a conformity assessment? What risk level is your system? Can you provide technical documentation? What's your approach to bias testing? How do you monitor performance after deployment?

Also ask about accuracy: what rates can we expect? How do you measure and report accuracy? What happens when the system makes a mistake? Are there use cases your tool is not suitable for?

Practical Considerations

Evaluate the practical aspects: what training do you provide? What support channels are available? How often is the system updated? What's the process for reporting issues? Can we run a pilot before committing? What are total costs including hidden fees?

Compare vendors side-by-side. The cheapest option isn't always the best — strong compliance and good support may save money by avoiding costly problems.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory requirements change frequently — verify current rules with official sources. Built by Sawai Gyoseishoshi Office, Hiroshima, Japan.