ENG2612. AI Ethics & Oversight: What’s in the Black Box? (SOC, TCH)

As organizations increasingly integrate AI-powered tools from third-party vendors into their operations, the risks extend far beyond technical vulnerabilities. Ethical considerations – such as bias, transparency, accountability, and data privacy – are now central to responsible AI adoption. This session equips participants with a framework for evaluating AI tools (i.e. ISO 42001) not just for functionality, but for ethical integrity. Attendees will learn how to ask the right questions during vendor onboarding, assess risk across compliance and reputational dimensions, and implement governance strategies that align with organizational values and regulatory expectations. The session will also explore how these considerations impact SOC engagements — both in evaluating vendors included in the report and in assessing third-party tools used by companies to gather and process information for the controls.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the ethical, governance, and risk considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence, including transparency, bias, accountability, and data integrity.
• Assess the role of CPAs in overseeing AI-enabled systems, including how internal controls, risk management, and governance frameworks can be applied to mitigate AI-related risks.
• Recognize practical oversight questions and indicators CPAs should consider when evaluating AI tools and algorithms within financial, operational, or advisory contexts.