AI’s Digital Pollution

As AI continues to shape industries, responsible AI governance remains a pressing concern. Yolanda Hamblen and Pauline Norstrom explore the future of AI 

In 1968, a plastic lid from a pack of Smarties washed up on a beach. In 1979, another followed. Both, despite the passing decades, remained nearly pristine—stark reminders that when these were first designed, no one seemed to ask, what happens to them in the future? They simply made them, oblivious to the consequences.  

Fast forward to today, and we are making the same mistakes—not with plastic, but with artificial intelligence. Ethical AI is treated like an afterthought, a frustrating inconvenience rather than a necessity. We are in the midst of a technological revolution, yet there are no legal guardrails in place in the UK.  

Why? Because much like those Smarties lids, people either don’t think far enough ahead or don’t care to.  

This month, I hand over my column to Pauline Norstrom, CEO of a world-renowned AI strategy, training and governance company, who tackles this critical issue: Why do some fear Responsible AI?  

The journey ahead is challenging, but ignoring the need for responsible AI is as reckless as the industries that once dismissed the impact of non-biodegradable plastics. The consequences may not wash up on a beach – but AI’s digital pollution will catch up with us – if we do not act. 

A Letter from My Future Self: A World Transformed by AI 

Dear Past Me, 

It’s incredible looking back from the mid-2030s from where I stand now. The AI-driven future we envisioned has materialised, not just in security, but across industries, reshaping business, critical infrastructure, and society itself. AI governance has matured into an enabler rather than a perceived constraint, and AI literacy is now embedded in business from the top down as a standard way of doing things. The fears of the past have been replaced by confidence, clarity, and control. 

AI as the Backbone of Industry 

In 2025, AI adoption remained fragmented, slowed by regulatory uncertainty. Today, AI is the backbone of physical operations, seamlessly integrated into decision-making, risk management, and automation. Agentic AI has become the norm, adapting to dynamic environments and optimising operations across multiple domains, data sources and protocols. The days of isolated, narrow AI applications are long gone – AI systems now interact, self-optimise, and enhance human decision-making in ways we once thought impossible. 

How Next-Generation Augmented Reality (AR) Systems Transformed Situational Awareness 

One of the most pivotal advancements was next-generation augmented reality (AR) systems technology, which redefined situational awareness. Once an experimental AR-driven system, it is now fundamental in security, logistics, and emergency response. The integration of real-time AI analysis with augmented reality overlays has given professionals an unprecedented ability to see, predict, and react to threats before they materialise. 

  • Security operations now benefit from real-time environmental mapping, automatically detecting anomalies and guiding responses. 
  • Urban infrastructure dynamically adapts based on AI-generated insights, optimising everything from transport flows to crowd safety. 
  • Emergency response teams operate with enhanced coordination, visualising risks in real time through AR interfaces. 

This evolution has changed the way we understand and protect people, assets, and environments. What was once reactive is now entirely predictive….

To read the full column from IFPO, see our March issue here. 

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Comcast surveillance - securitybuyer.com

City of Tucker Collaborates with Comcast Smart Solutions

Comcast Smart Solutions, a division of Comcast Corporation that specialises in smart technologies for businesses and communities..
IDIS London Case Study - Security Buyer

Sustainable IDIS Video Solution for London

An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development…
Dallmeier - securitybuyer.com

Dallmeier presents the MK4 revision of the DMS 2400

With the new MK4 revision of the DMS 2400, Dallmeier introduces an even more powerful version of its proven video appliance.
Hanwha Vision - Security Buyer

Hanwha Vision unveils powerful AI remote-head camera

Hanwha Vision, the global vision solution provider, launches the AI remote-head camera, featuring a single-body…
FLIR - security buyer

New FLIR camera for Perimeter Security

FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, today released its newest high-resolution visible/thermal security camera for commercial..
Genetec - Security Buyer

Genetec and Hanwha Vision

The latest in our ongoing series introducing Hanwha Vision’s pioneering partners, leads us to Ben Durrant, Account Executive at Genetec Inc.
IFPO x GSA - Security Buyer

New Corporate Members for IFPO

The Global SecurAlliance (GSA)summer meeting on 16 June was held again at the stunning Château de Méry-sur-Oise on the outskirts of Paris.
SB Awards register now advert - Security Buyer

Launching Security Buyer Awards

Honouring innovation, leadership, and success across the global security industry at the Security Buyer Judges’ and Readers’ Awards 2025 
Genetec

Genetec brings new capabilities to Security Center SaaS

Genetec announced new updates to Security Center SaaS, the company’s enterprise-grade Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution..
I-Pro

i-PRO Launches Revamped EMEA Partner Program

i-PRO announced a major expansion of its EMEA Partner Program. The move supports i-PRO’s long-term growth strategy and…
Scroll to Top