AI compliance: A core product competency you shouldn’t skip

As product management increasingly intersects with regulatory compliance, today's top product managers must navigate new legal landscapes such as the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, which imposes tier-based obligations on AI systems from 2025 to 2027. This shift reflects a broader global trend, with similar regulations emerging in the United States, China, and Canada, necessitating that compliance become a core component of product strategy rather than a peripheral concern. Product managers must now integrate regulatory requirements into their development processes, utilizing frameworks like the EU AI Act to prioritize governance and leverage compliance as a market differentiator. By incorporating transparency, bias testing, and data governance into their workflows, teams can transform regulatory adherence into a competitive advantage, fostering trust and accelerating adoption in regulated markets. The emphasis on early governance not only mitigates legal risks but also aligns with customer expectations for ethical and secure AI deployment, paving the way for sustainable growth and innovation.