Hey Siri

{Warning: This post is a little jocular}

Here are a few technologies that exist today:

• Microphones
• Speakers
• Email
• Text messages
• Internet
• Cloud storage
• Bluetooth
• ChatGPT

With these technologies, you can create a workplace where risks could be mitigated in real time.

Imagine an in-person meeting with a branch manager and her staff. The facilities manager explains the need to hire a window washer for the external windows on the second and third floor of the building. The branch manager exclaims that her brother-in-law has a window washing business and would certainly give them a deal. Everyone seems to think this is a great idea.

The conversation is recorded, analyzed by a ChatGPT-like tool, which runs it against the company policies. An email or a text is immediately sent to all attendees, highlighting possible violation of the conflict of interests and procurement policies. Even better, the alert could be sent over the speakers in the meeting room.

Very creepy, I know. And unlikely to survive the scrutiny of current privacy laws.

But think how helpful it would be from a compliance perspective, especially for bigger risks related to corruption, global trade, product safety, etc.

Until such a day is possible (if even desirable), we need to sustain our efforts around communications, education, and ethical culture.