#USA #New York #AI Governance #Security #Privacy

Wilson Elser, Ankura, and Privado AI Host Inaugural Conference on Privacy, Security, and AI Governance

On September 30, 2026, the national law firm Wilson Elser, in collaboration with Ankura Consulting Group and Privado AI, held its inaugural conference dedicated to the pressing matters of privacy, security, and artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The event took place at Wilson Elser's offices in New York City and addressed the ever-evolving landscape of regulations surrounding privacy laws and the integration of AI technologies.

The conference, titled "Convergence: The Intersection of Privacy, Security & AI Governance," gathered industry experts, legal professionals, and stakeholders from various sectors to share insights on the rapid changes in legal frameworks. With the number of state laws addressing AI surpassing 150 nationwide, the need for organizations to adapt to this new reality was more urgent than ever.

During the keynote speech delivered by JD Cheema, founder of Privado AI, discussions centered around data discovery facilitated by technology and the governance challenges presented by AI. Cheema emphasized that current trends demonstrate that privacy, security, and AI governance must now be discussed together, highlighting that there isn't a unified federal framework regulating AI in the United States at this time.

Jana Farmer, a partner at Wilson Elser, echoed this sentiment, noting the fragmented patchwork of state regulations that now governs AI applications. Key states like New York, California, Utah, Texas, and Colorado have recently passed numerous laws regarding AI, which means organizations must remain vigilant regarding future restrictions that might impact their AI deployments.

Engaging Sessions and Panels

The program featured a robust agenda with opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing. Some notable panels included discussions such as:

• - Navigating the Privacy and AI Landscape: Featuring legal experts and privacy engineers, this panel explored the constantly evolving privacy laws and AI regulations, providing a practical guide for compliance. Participants included Jana Slavina Farmer from Wilson Elser, Nicole Nguyen from Ankura, and representatives from Privado AI and Tokio Marine HCC.

• - Cybersecurity and AI Governing Agentic Systems: This session tackled the operational risks and cybersecurity challenges posed by agentic AI, featuring insights from leading professionals in cybersecurity and risk management. The panel illustrated real-world scenarios to help businesses govern AI systems effectively before and after incidents.

• - Cybersecurity Pitfalls and Avoiding Regulatory Scrutiny: Focusing on the quick responses from regulators in the event of cybersecurity breaches, this session provided practical strategies for minimizing legal risks during investigations, drawing on real-life enforcement actions.

• - Implementing AI Across the Business: The final panel aimed at demystifying the diverse implications of AI adoption across various departments within organizations. Panelists shared actionable guidelines that align AI integration with legal and operational standards.

The Importance of Collaboration

The Convergence conference highlighted the critical need for collaboration among legal professionals, cybersecurity experts, and corporate leaders as they navigate these intricate regulations. As the landscape continues to shift, organizations will need to remain adaptable, ensuring their AI technologies comply with emerging laws.

In conclusion, as AI becomes more integrated into business operations and is subject to new regulations, conferences like these play a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and sharing knowledge, ultimately contributing to a more informed approach to AI governance and compliance. The insights gained from this gathering will serve as a foundation for organizations looking to proactively address the challenges ahead.

For more details on Wilson Elser's practices and efforts in data use and AI governance, visit Wilson Elser.