PCC Learning Center · AI Governance
Use AI With Clear Rules, Stronger Security and Human Oversight
AI tools can help employees research, write, analyze information and automate routine work. They can also expose sensitive data, create inaccurate output or take actions no one intended.
These resources help your business decide which tools are allowed, what information they may use, who reviews their work and how problems will be handled.
AI Governance Guides and Tools
Start with the issue your business needs to address. Each resource is practical and focused on a specific business decision.
The Small Business AI Safety Playbook
A practical framework for evaluating AI tools, protecting business information, setting approval boundaries and responding when something goes wrong.
AI Tool Inventory
Identify AI tools, owners, users, business purposes, data access and unresolved review questions.
AI Agents Are Your New Privileged Users
Learn why agents with access to business data and systems require limited permissions, named owners and clear approval boundaries.
Human Approval for AI Actions
Decide which AI-assisted actions can proceed routinely and which require a person to review, approve or stop them.
AI Acceptable-Use Guidance
Give employees clear rules for approved tools, sensitive information, accuracy checks and reporting mistakes.
Zero Trust for AI
Apply explicit verification, least privilege and an assume-breach mindset when AI accesses data or takes actions.
AI Vendor Risk and Incident Ownership
Review vendor controls and assign responsibility for responding when an AI tool creates a security or operational problem.
Third-Party and OAuth App Review
Review connected applications, consent scope, tenant-wide permissions, ownership and continued business need before access becomes permanent.
ChatGPT vs. Claude for Business
Compare both platforms using your actual workflows, information requirements, integrations and administrative controls.
Start With Control, Not Complexity
Responsible AI use begins with a short list of practical decisions—not a large policy project.
Know Which Tools Are in Use
Maintain an inventory of approved tools, owners, users, business purposes and the information each tool can access.
Set Rules for Business Data
Define what employees may enter into public, consumer and business-grade AI systems. Sensitive information requires explicit safeguards.
Control Access and Permissions
Give each AI tool, agent and connected application only the access required for its assigned work. Review OAuth consent, tenant-wide permissions and service identities—not only employee access.
Require Human Approval
People should review decisions, communications and high-impact actions before they affect clients, finances, security or business operations.
Review Vendors
Evaluate data use, account security, integrations, retention and incident handling before approving a tool.
Assign Ownership
Name the people responsible for approving tools, updating rules, reviewing incidents and removing access when circumstances change.
Looking for Microsoft 365 Copilot Guidance?
Copilot is one part of a broader AI governance program. Product-specific preparation, security and employee-use resources remain in PCC’s Microsoft 365 Resources area.
Copilot Security and Governance Resources
Review permissions, sensitive information, employee responsibilities and safeguards for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Common Questions
What is AI governance?
The decisions, rules and responsibilities a business uses to control approved tools, data handling, access, human review, vendor risk and accountability.
Is this only for large companies?
No. A short inventory, clear employee rules and named decision owners can reduce meaningful risk without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Is an acceptable-use policy enough?
No. Written rules do not replace technical controls, permission reviews, vendor evaluation, training or incident response.
Does Copilot secure our data automatically?
Copilot works within Microsoft 365 controls and user permissions, but those permissions must still be appropriate. AI can make existing oversharing easier to discover and use.
Does every AI result need human review?
Review should match potential impact. Client communications, financial decisions, legal work, security changes and system actions need stronger approval requirements.
Where should we begin?
Identify the tools already in use, who owns them, what data they handle and whether they connect to other systems. Then define approved uses and required approvals.
Can these records help with future requirements?
Yes. A current inventory, named owners, documented decisions and review dates can make future legal, privacy or workforce assessments easier. They do not prove compliance, and PCC does not provide legal certification. California requirements continue to evolve, so covered businesses should obtain qualified legal advice.
Make AI Use a Business Decision, Not an Individual Guess
You need a clear way to evaluate where AI helps, where it creates risk and who is responsible for keeping its use aligned with your business.
PCC helps Bay Area businesses strengthen the Microsoft 365, identity, security and data foundations that responsible AI use depends on.