Home / News / Events / CPD / Events / CPD / AI, Data Retention & Risk in Practice

AI, Data Retention & Risk in Practice

How can you embrace the benefits of AI without putting your practice, your clients or your IP at risk? Join the ACA and Frances Russell from FooForce on 21 May for this valuable cyber security CPD webinar on the safe adoption of AI without compromising professional standards.

BOOK NOW

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming embedded in architectural practice, bringing new and often poorly understood risks around data retention, confidentiality, and professional accountability. This practical webinar will help you adopt AI with confidence, while maintaining control over client data, intellectual property, and regulatory obligations.

In this session, Frances will explore:

  • Where AI is already delivering value for architects
  • The three key AI risk areas for architecture practices:
    • Intellectual property leakage
    • Inaccurate or misleading outputs (“hallucinations”)
    • Security, privacy and compliance risk
  • Why data retention matters with AI tools, including:
    • What happens to drawings, reports and emails once entered into AI
    • Whether data is retained, reused or stored offshore
    • Why “free” and public AI tools create hidden compliance exposure
  • How existing architectural practice responsibilities still apply
    • Directors and owners remain accountable for data handling
    • Supplier-risk thinking applies equally to AI vendors
  • Practical guardrails for staff use of AI
    • What is safe to use AI for and what must never go into AI tools
    • How to introduce controls without disrupting productivity
  • How enterprise-grade AI differs from public tools
    • Why logged-in, governed tools such as Microsoft Copilot keep data within your firm’s environment
    • How auditability and retention controls support professional practice obligations

WHERE & WHEN

Live online. Recording available.
1pm AEST Thursday 21 May 2026
(WA 11am–12pm, NT & SA 12.30–1.30pm, Qld, ACT, NSW, Tas & Vic 1–2pm)

COST & BOOKING

Members $30 incl GST
Non-members $60 incl GST
*One ticket per person. *All ticket holders will receive the recording registration link after the webinar.

To reserve your ticket, book below, or go direct to the booking site.

For any questions, please contact Katherine Ygosse at webinars@aca.org.au.

OUR SPEAKER

Frances Russell is CEO and Managing Director of FooForce, a leading Australian managed service and security provider with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Frances is ISACA certified: CISA CISM CRISC and has 20+ years experience advising organisations on business risk, IT strategy and security.

FooForce provides cyber security, IT strategy alignment, information security including cloud and third party security, cyber risk awareness and full IT support services. They work with companies across multiple industries including architecture, engineering, finance, manufacturing and others.

CPD

Completion of this 1 hour webinar and submission of the self-checked assessment task will deliver 1 formal CPD point.

Learning outcomes –

  • A clear understanding of what data architects can safely use with AI
  • Improved awareness of AI‑related data retention and confidentiality risks
  • A practical framework for evaluating AI tools using familiar supplier‑risk principles
  • Guidance on shaping an AI policy that protects the practice without stifling innovation
  • Greater confidence leading AI conversations with staff, clients, and consultants

AACA Unit of Competency and Performance Criteria: Practice Management and Professional Conduct – PC1, PC16

The webinar will include time for Q&A and a CPD assessment task. Certificates will be provided following participation in the full webinar and online submission of answers to CPD questions.