Automated AI agents are transforming how work gets done – making decisions, executing tasks, and freeing up time for people to focus on higher-value work. But without clear boundaries, these agents can also introduce serious risk.
In Australia, we’ve already seen shadow AI emerge in boardrooms and back offices. A federal report1 found that more than one in five employees are using AI tools without formal approval, creating governance blind spots for IT, legal, and security teams. Globally, the pace is only increasing. Gartner predicts that by 2026, more than 40% of enterprise workflows will involve autonomous agents. This isn’t just a shift in technology – it's a governance challenge on a global scale.
Without clear control over who can create AI agents and what systems or data they can access, organisations risk exposing intellectual property, breaching compliance requirements, and eroding trust. Without structure, security, and oversight, agents may operate in ways that conflict with organisational policies – or even regulatory obligations.
At Infotrust, we help Australian organisations design governance frameworks that balance agility with control. That means defining who can build agents, applying appropriate access restrictions, and ensuring every deployment includes the right audit and oversight mechanisms. The goal isn't to slow innovation – it's to enable it safely.
If you’re wondering how to scale AI agents without compromising security or putting your brand at risk, let’s start the conversation. Contact Us to begin building your AI governance blueprint.
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1, Jobs and Skills Australia, Our Gen AI Transition: Implications for Work and Skills (Version 4), August 2025.