Australian founder Rachael Greaves challenges global approach to AI regulation: ‘Startups ignoring AI compliance are doomed to fall behind’
In a compelling address before the Australian Senate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, Rachael Greaves (pictured), Co-Founder and CEO of Castlepoint Systems, delivered a strong message about the critical need for AI regulation, cautioning that startups and organisations overlooking regulatory frameworks risk falling out of step with global expectations.
Greaves, who has extensive experience across audit, security, privacy engineering, and records management, used her platform to highlight the ethical stakes of unregulated AI practices. Greaves emphasised that AI’s transformative power comes with a responsibility to implement explainable and ethical systems. “The reality is that opaque, unchecked AI is a risk to all stakeholders. Algorithms need to be explainable from the outset because the material harm from ungoverned AI is real and avoidable,” Rachael Greaves said. Greaves’ remarks pointed to a gap in global practices, where compliance often lags behind innovation.
A Call for Ethical AI Adoption Worldwide
Greaves shared insights into Castlepoint’s unique AI solution, which leverages transparent algorithms to automate compliance across massive data sets. By focusing on ethical AI, Castlepoint stands apart from other tech companies that prioritise growth over responsible data management. She issued a call to action for startups and governments worldwide to prioritise transparency, or face being outpaced in an increasingly data-driven economy.
“AI isn’t a free-for-all,” Greaves stated. “If we want communities to be safer and smarter, we need to prioritise responsible AI adoption, balancing innovation with robust data governance.”
A Global Lens on AI: Where Some Nations Risk Being Left Behind
While many regions race to adopt AI solutions, Greaves highlighted that regulatory standards vary widely. She urged international collaboration and warned that countries lagging in regulation—like the UK in certain areas—could be at a disadvantage. “This isn’t just about AI—it’s about global responsibility. Nations that hesitate to put guidelines in place are risking their standing in an interconnected world. At Castlepoint, we’ve seen firsthand how ethical AI can empower rather than endanger.”
Looking Forward
Greaves ended with a call for cooperative international efforts to standardise AI practices, noting Castlepoint’s commitment to work closely with governments on advancing AI responsibly. “The world is watching, and it’s crucial we take a proactive stance.”