VM Blog: AI Agents, Accountability, and the Coming Governance Challenge in 2026

In this article for VMblog’s 2026 Prediction Series, Paul Walker, Global Solutions Director at iManage, shares his perspective on the next big shifts in AI. Walker predicts that the industry’s focus will move from building ever-larger language models to developing autonomous AI agents capable of executing complex tasks and delivering measurable business value. He warns that as these agents gain decision-making authority, organizations must implement robust governance frameworks to track and audit AI outputs. Walker also highlights a growing challenge: AI-powered tools enabling individuals to craft highly sophisticated complaints, which will dramatically increase workloads for legal, HR, and customer support teams, forcing a rethink of standard operational procedures.