AI Sprawl

The uncontrolled proliferation of AI tools, applications, and systems across an organisation without centralised governance, creating security vulnerabilities, compliance risks, and operational inefficiencies. AI sprawl typically results from decentralised adoption where different departments independently acquire AI solutions, leading to duplicated costs, inconsistent data handling, and scattered accountability. Organisations can prevent AI sprawl through centralised AI governance frameworks, approved vendor catalogues, and coordinated procurement processes. Addressing AI sprawl requires balancing innovation enablement with appropriate oversight and standardisation.