The Ethics Factor: Why AI Demands Better Questions from Security Clients

Your clients aren’t just buying tech—they’re buying your judgment. And AI is putting that to the test.

We’re well past the point where AI is just another feature set. From facial recognition to predictive alerts, the tools we deploy as integrators now raise real ethical questions—about privacy, transparency, and the responsible use of data.

At Premise One, we’ve had to wrestle with these challenges firsthand. Enterprise clients are asking smarter questions, and our ability to lead those conversations has become a differentiator.

Here’s what those conversations look like today:

1. “What’s being recorded—and where does it go?” AI systems often ingest and analyze sensitive data. Clients want to know who controls it, how it’s secured, and how long it lives.

 2. “How accurate is this?” False positives aren’t just annoying—they can lead to real consequences. Clients want transparency around model accuracy, limitations, and edge cases.  This has been true since I first deployed ML supporting coastal video analytics in 2007 - and it hasn't changed. Choose technology partners who are transparent about AI accuracy.

3. “Can it be audited?” GRC (governance, risk, and compliance) teams are demanding audit trails for AI decision-making. Integrators need to understand what logs are available—and how to make them usable. At Premise One we're commissioning AI completely differently than other software systems to support new AI compliance frameworks. 

4. “How does it affect people?” From frontline staff to public-facing installations, clients want to know how AI changes interactions. Does it escalate risk? Undermine trust? Impact employment?  

5. “What’s our policy?” More clients are writing internal AI use guidelines. They’re looking to us for frameworks, benchmarks, and real-world use cases that pass scrutiny. And we're aligning to service their needs with a unique approach to device and system configuration that's risk and compliance first - driven by what we know operators will need on day two.

Ethics isn’t a separate conversation anymore. It’s part of the sale.

So if you’re still pitching AI like it’s magic, you’ll get outflanked by integrators who can speak to accountability, policy, and risk management.

About the Author  

Tim Chandler is the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at Premise One. With deep experience in enterprise security integration and strategic client partnerships, Tim helps teams navigate the intersection of technology, policy, and public trust. He believes the future of security belongs to leaders who don’t just deliver systems—but also shape the standards around them.