Unlocking the Power of LLMs: The Essential Role of Data Preparation, Privacy, and Governance

By: Sara Diaz , BigID intern

In a webinar hosted by Datactics and Big ID on December 12th, 2023, called “Preparing your Data for AI Ensuring Quality Privacy and Governance for LLM Readiness," experts Fiona Browne (CTO, Datactics ) and Peggy tsAI (CDO, BigID ) delved into the complexities of data preparation, emphasizing how strong data practices are crucial for ensuring the success, trustworthiness, and ethical use of machine learning including large language models (LLMs).

Machine learning and LLMs have revolutionized how we interact with technology, but their success heavily depends on the quality, privacy, and governance of the data they are trained on and make predictions on. Organizations today grapple with a sprawling and complex data landscape that affects the efficacy of LLMs. Peggy Tsai shared, "…data is the most important ingredient to help make informed decisions and take action in your organization." Understanding the full scope of your data, especially sensitive information, is key.

Data is the most important ingredient to help make informed decisions and take action in your organization." - Peggy Tsai, Chief Data Officer at BigID

Fiona Browne adds, "We've got a fragmented data landscape where we can obtain information and knowledge to feed into these models. That both comes from unstructured and structured data." Effectively leveraging this wealth of data requires careful preparation and an appreciation of the risks involved.

While machine learning including LLMs introduce efficiency and automation, preparing data for optimal results is an ongoing challenge. As Peggy Tsai states, "It's also about being effective and being able to scale and grow the way that you are currently preparing your data…" Striking a balance between getting started and ensuring long-term responsible usage is crucial.

The risk of privacy violations and data misuse underscores the need for stringent security measures. "Privacy and security are still issues that [custom LLM builders] need to be aware of," cautions Peggy Tsai. LLMs demand proactive governance to protect sensitive information in compliance with existing and evolving regulations.

A strong governance framework forms the bedrock for successful and ethical AI/ML deployment. Fiona Browne emphasizes the need for transparency and robust policies: "It not only plays to good practice, but it's going to play into regulations…. For example, use of data cards to improve transparency, these document information such as lineage of the data, pre-processing and details on PII."

Preparing data for AI/MLis an intricate process that impacts accuracy, trust, and, ultimately, the success of your AI initiatives. By prioritizing data quality, embracing strong privacy measures, and establishing thoughtful governance frameworks, organizations can reap the full potential of AI/MLwhile mitigating risks and safeguarding their users.

The key takeaways from this webinar highlight the interconnected nature of data quality, privacy, and governance in ensuring AI/ML success. Establishing robust data governance frameworks eases the continuous process of adapting to evolving regulations. Embracing new technologies for data preparation and management helps organizations maximize the benefits of AI/ML while safeguarding sensitive information. For those interested in further exploring the topics of data governance, data quality and data curation, Datactics offers extensive resources and guidance. Visit their website to learn more about their workshops, webinars, and expertise in data-driven AI initiatives. 

BigID University also offers tailored resources and guidance for addressing the unique challenges of LLM data preparation, privacy, and governance. Enhance your organization's LLM readiness with trustworthy data by visiting BigID's website.