Shadow AI is when employees use AI tools such as ChatGPT that the organisation has not approved, often pasting in company or customer data. Nobody knows which tools are in use or where the data ends up.

Does an SME need an AI policy?

Yes. A short, clear policy that names the approved tools and what data may go into them is enough to start. It lets teams use AI with confidence and keeps the risks manageable.

Why AI Governance Matters for SMEs

Why a clear AI policy matters for SMEs

Picture this: your team uses ChatGPT to speed up its work, but you do not know whether that is approved or where the data goes. It is a common situation, and it can create real risk for your organisation. This is where clear AI governance comes in.

The problem of shadow AI

Many organisations face "shadow AI": employees use unapproved AI tools and may share sensitive company information with them. The damage is not only financial. It also hits your reputation and leads to inconsistent ways of working between teams.

The solution: a clear AI policy

A clear AI policy gives your company a frame for responsible experimentation. It creates a sense of psychological safety and control, so teams know exactly which tools are allowed and how to use them safely.

Responsible experiments: A clear policy encourages innovation while keeping risk manageable.
Less fear: Teams know where they stand and do not have to worry about repercussions when they use approved tools.

DORA (DevOps Research and Assessment) research points the same way: a clear AI stance does not only bring safety, it also leaves room to innovate. We cover the wider model in AI Success with the DORA Model for SMEs.

Why this matters for Dutch SMEs

It is tempting for Dutch SMEs to follow the newest technology without a clear strategy. But companies with limited resources are exactly the ones that cannot afford shadow AI. Good governance means stable, lasting growth.

Practical steps for SMEs

You can put an effective AI policy in place in a few simple steps:

Identify the AI tools in use: Find out which tools your teams already rely on.
Write guidelines: Set clear rules and standards for AI use, including which data may never go into an external tool.
Name an owner: Decide who approves new tools and who staff can ask.
Bring in experts: Consider working with AI Advies Bureau on a policy that fits your needs.

Not sure where you stand today? The free risk scan shows where your AI use is exposed, and an AI readiness assessment maps what to fix first. AI Advies Bureau can help at every step.