From duties to design: the one thing that makes AI use governable
Summary
The article argues that safe AI adoption in conveyancing depends on a single controlled route to client data, rather than relying on prompts or bolt-on guardrails. It sets out four functions for that route: authenticate the user, authorise access by individual permissions, minimise the data returned, and automatically record each data transfer.
Why it matters
For residential property surveyors working alongside conveyancers and other property professionals, the article highlights how AI tools can create data-handling and audit risks if they are not properly governed. It is relevant to firms sharing matter data, client information, or property records with AI-enabled systems.
Key points
- A single controlled interface to client data is presented as the core AI governance mechanism.
- Shared accounts and copy-paste use of chatbots are identified as weak points because they break traceability and access control.
- The proposed route should authenticate the user, apply individual permissions, minimise returned fields, and log each release automatically.
- Prompt-based instructions can help users, but they are not a substitute for technical controls or compliance records.
- The article frames AI governance as a structural design issue rather than a policy-only issue.
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