A View From DC: Time Is Running Out to Prepare for Privacy Audits
IAPP, Friday, October 16th, 2026
Audits and AI assurance dominated IAPP's Seattle conference as new oversight comes to privacy and AI governance teams.
Reflecting on the IAPP Privacy. Security. Risk. + AI Governance Global 2026 conference in Seattle, the author says audits were the standout theme.
Speakers discussed assessments, assurance and formal audits coming to privacy and AI governance functions, including the emerging discipline of AI assurance and distinctions between assurance roles.
Policymakers are already regulating AI auditors; California passed laws on the profession, and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order fast-tracking their deadlines.
The author's message is that privacy teams have limited time to get ready for this oversight.