Organizations Experience Significant Increase in AI Risk Management Time, According to OneTrust Report

Increased Time on AI Risk Management: Insights from the OneTrust Report

A recent report from OneTrust has exposed a remarkable trend: organizations are allocating nearly 40% more time to managing AI-related risks compared to previous years. This change indicates a pivotal moment in governance as businesses strive to keep up with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technologies.

The 2025 AI-Ready Governance Report canvassed opinions from 1,250 governance executives across North America and Europe, shedding light on how organizations are now grappling with increased oversight demands associated with AI. Once simplistic frameworks for managing privacy and compliance have now evolved into complex structures as AI systems permeate various operational facets.

The Weight of AI on Governance Works

As a direct consequence of AI's proliferation, governance teams are feeling overwhelmed. A staggering 37% increase in the time spent on AI risk management was reported, pushing teams to adapt quickly to the changing landscape. This surge corresponds with the findings that 73% of respondents acknowledge that AI's rapid growth has unveiled significant shortcomings in visibility, collaboration, and policy enforcement within their organizations.

Over two-thirds of governance leaders (82%) are responding to these pressures by modernizing their governance strategies. Blake Brannon, Chief Innovation Officer at OneTrust, emphasized that organizations must match the pace of their AI initiatives with adequate governance mechanisms. The traditional governance models, which rely on lengthy approval processes and manual interventions, are proving inefficient in the face of such swift technological advancement.

Understanding the Governance Gaps

The report's data highlights that while 86% of advanced AI-adopting organizations noticed significant visibility and collaboration gaps, only 58% of those still in the experimentation phase acknowledged similar challenges. Additionally, organizations that have fully adopted AI find themselves investing double the time in risk management than those just beginning to experiment.

Interestingly, nearly all surveyed (98%) organizations plan to boost their governance budgets in the upcoming financial year—projecting an average increase of 24%. This financial commitment reflects a broader recognition of the necessity for modernized governance frameworks as organizations integrate AI technologies.

Preparing for the Future

To keep pace with AI, companies must reassess their governance strategies, focusing on enhancing oversight and accountability while streamlining processes. OneTrust is organizing TrustWeek 2025 events in San Francisco and Amsterdam, catering to companies seeking to refine their governance strategies through real-world insights from leaders in responsible AI.

In conclusion, the burgeoning adoption of AI technologies is reshaping the governance landscape. Organizations must adapt through enhanced governance strategies, agile processes, and sufficient budget allocations to meet the dual demands of compliance and innovation. It's not just about meeting immediate regulatory requirements; it’s about fostering a robust foundation for sustainable innovation and long-term returns on AI investments.

For More Information

For a deeper dive into the findings, including where organizations are underestimating AI risks and the biggest governance challenges ahead, downloading the full OneTrust report is highly recommended. This document serves as a critical resource for companies aiming to improve their governance frameworks in an AI-dominant future.