Shadow AI in companies: Why managers need to act now

Why clear guidelines and leadership are needed now

More and more employees are accessing AI tools — often without knowledge or approval from the company. This uncontrolled use, known as shadow AI, entails significant risks to data protection, copyright, and compliance.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing everyday working life. But without clear rules and training for AI, security gaps can Liability risks and fines quickly become a reality.

Shadow AI: A growing risk for companies

According to a recent Bitkom study, only 26% of companies give their employees official access to generative AI. At the same time, 40% suspect that private tools are already in use. This shows that shadow AI has long been a reality.
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Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst Warns:

“Companies should actively address the uncontrolled use of AI and create clear framework conditions. ”

Anyone who doesn't regulate the use of AI risks data breaches, copyright problems and even millions of dollars in fines.

Why AI training is essential

Technical access restrictions alone are not enough. The AI competence of employees is decisive. Only those who understand how AI works, which legal framework conditions apply and which risks exist can use AI safely and responsibly.

With the EU AI regulation This development of competencies becomes a legal obligation. Companies must prove that employees are trained to use artificial intelligence. Violations may result in fines of up to 35 million euros or 7% of annual turnover.

certready.eu: Your partner for legally secure AI expertise

certready.eu supports companies with practice-oriented, legally compliant training solutions to build AI expertise and compliance security.

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Our training content:

• Data protection and data security in an AI context
• Copyright and labeling obligations
• Shadow AI risks and prevention
• Legal basis of the EU AI regulation

After completion, companies and employees receive an AI compliance certificate, which proves legal training obligations.

Legal expertise as a basis for trust and compliance security

The training content of certready.eu is based on sound legal expertise. solicitor Dr. Thomas Schwenke, LL.M. (UoA), Dipl.-Fin. Wirt (FH), an expert in data protection and AI law, is responsible for legal design and compliance. As one of the leading experts for data protection and legally compliant digitization, he emphasizes:

“Shadow AI is a symptom of lack of governance. Companies must empower employees to use AI responsibly and in accordance with the law. ”

Thanks to this close legal support from lawyer Dr. Thomas Schwenke, the content of certready.eu is always up to date and legally secure.

‍More about Dr. Thomas Schwenke

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Your benefits with certready.eu:

• Certified evidence for internal and external audits
• Time and cost savings through compact e-learning formats
• Practice-oriented content, always up to date in accordance with the EU AI regulation
• Easy management via central login (SSO)
• Measurable development of competencies across the company

With certready.eu, AI compliance is not a compulsory exercise, but a competitive advantage.

‍Overview of prices and conditions

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Conclusion: Identify shadow AI, avoid risks, secure the future

Shadow AI is not an issue of the future — it has long been part of everyday working life. Companies that act now are creating clear rules, promoting knowledge and securing themselves. With certready.eu, you can use artificial intelligence securely, efficiently and in compliance with the law — before risks arise.

In addition, offers nele.ai, the privacy-secure AI platform from GAL Digital, a secure environment for AI use in companies so that sensitive data remains protected and compliance requirements are met.

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‍Contact certready.eu now and establish AI compliance‍