Let’s face it: keeping up with information governance (IG) can feel like putting out fires nonstop. But what if you could get ahead of the chaos and set your organization up for success? That’s what the recent ILTACON session, From Firefighting to Future-Proofing: Building a Sustainable IG Strategy, addressed by providing practical tips to shift from reacting to problems to strategically preventing them.
The seasoned experts facilitating this session emphasized the importance of treating IG like something you only worry about when something goes wrong. Instead, it should be something you plan for, so you’re ready for anything.
“Matter mobility” was a central component of the broader discussion. Essentially, matter mobility refers to the process of moving data and documents securely and per all applicable regulations. The speakers discussed setting up robust processes to ensure everything is secure, clients are kept informed, and rules are adhered to. Getting this right ensures that things run smoothly while maintaining transparency to build trust with clients.
They also discussed changes in privacy laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA). These laws mean organizations can’t just keep data forever—they need to be careful about why they’re keeping it, and for how long. Keeping your data organized and knowing what you have is crucial to staying compliant with these new rules.
AI was another hot topic. As more teams want to use AI, it’s essential to set up a plan so you can innovate safely. Ignoring fundamental Instagram basics when setting up AI can cause a range of issues, so IT, legal, business units, risk, and cybersecurity teams must collaborate.
So why does IG often feel like just another thing to check off the list, instead of something that’s part of your organization’s big picture? The speakers highlighted a lack of resources and mixed skill sets, insufficient focus on change management and the consequences of project failures, and the fact that things are constantly evolving. They suggested that IG should be viewed as a strategic partner, rather than something to be wary of, and should be brought in early to connect with your firm’s overall goals and roadmap.
The speakers shared some practical tips on transitioning from firefighting to futureproofing. Stay on top of your data inventory, keep policies up to date, and make sure your retention and disposal programs run smoothly. Engage with firms of different sizes and adjacent industries for cross-pollination of IG practices. And don’t forget to keep an eye open for trends, both inside and outside your organization, so you’re ready for whatever comes next.
Ultimately, we were given a clear path for developing a robust, sustainable Instagram strategy. With a proactive mindset, firms can run more effectively, earn client trust, and be prepared for any curveballs the business world throws their way.