Everyone uses artificial intelligence (AI). AI is used in the mundane—to unlock our phones, to decide what movie to stream next, to identify a song or artist, or adjust the thermostat. As authors, we used it to spellcheck this article. We also are witnessing its advanced capabilities in cutting-edge manners in cybersecurity, health care, finance and other industries. It is emerging in legal services, too. AI can be an effective tool to streamline business procedures. However, there are costs that extend well beyond monetary considerations.

The evaluation for obtaining AI services or an AI platform often falls to the general counsel. Sometimes, the request comes late in the procurement process. In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI, the imperative for organizations extends beyond mere technology procurement and technological integration. With benefit comes cost, and a more precise assessment of both necessitates an evaluation of business and marketing opportunities inherent in procuring AI through a lens of privacy and data ethics. This need is made all the more acute by the rapidly escalating demand for AI regulation and transparency, both in the U.S. and internationally.