We live in a world that is quite literally drowning in data. Every click, every search, every interaction quietly tracks you, profiles you, and too often, exploits you. What happens when that data is in the wrong hands? AI systems developed on that data could quickly begin making consequential decisions impacting our lives. If gone unchecked, this can result in a world of overwhelming mystery and disempowerment.

The answer, I believe, lies in a seemingly dry, technical term: SOC 2 Type 2 compliance. And no, it’s not simply a box to tick.

The Price of Ignorance Is High

Think back to the Equifax breach. Millions of social security numbers, names and addresses compromised because a well known vulnerability was not updated. Such is the cost of neglecting security 101. Now, imagine if that standard of negligence was the rule for AI systems. Yet these systems are being entrusted to make some of the most important decisions regarding our health, economic resources and status in society.

Together AI achieving SOC 2 Type 2 compliance on July 9, 2025 isn't just a press release bullet point. It's a statement. It means they've subjected themselves to a rigorous, independent audit, proving they're not just talking the talk, but walking the walk when it comes to protecting your data. They’ve verified their access management, data encryption, incident response, and change management processes.

Because in the age of AI, data security isn't just about protecting your identity. It's about protecting your future.

SOC 2 Is More Than Just a Badge

Let's be honest, many companies treat compliance like a visit to the dentist – something to dread and get over with as quickly as possible. The myth is that it's a bureaucratic hurdle, a cost center that doesn't actually improve security.

This is simply untrue, particularly when it comes to SOC 2 Type 2. Unlike many other certifications, SOC 2 Type 2 isn’t a one-time compliance snapshot. It takes ongoing vigilance, frequent testing, and a clear dedication to the evolution of more secure practices year after year. It’s an ongoing measure of fragility and strength, a heartbeat of an organization’s security posture.

Think of it like this: you wouldn't trust a surgeon who hadn't kept up with the latest medical advancements, would you? In the same way, don’t take at face value any AI company that claims to be making the strongest security investments and promises. Together AI’s architecture, including network segmentation, continuous monitoring, and automated threat detection, contributes to a robust picture of proactive security. This is radically different from an after-the-fact, “wait-for-the-breach” mentality. So they are moving beyond that to include things like multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access controls (RBAC), and continual security training.

AI's Unique Security Challenges

AI adds a whole new layer of complexity to the security landscape. It is not only the data that needs protection; it is protecting the algorithms that the data is used to train. What if you could poison an AI model with bad data? What do we do when an algorithm imposes discrimination or attempts manipulation?

These are not hypothetical moves, these are real risks requiring a proactive, holistic security approach. And this is where SOC 2 Type 2 compliance becomes even more essential. Together AI’s work reflects a deep commitment to responsible AI development, not just in healthcare, but across industries. They do this by following HIPAA regulation, making sure data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and executing tight business associate agreements (BAAs).

AI security is not just a technical problem. It's a societal one. Without these considerations, the biases that are embedded in AI algorithms can perpetuate and amplify existing inequalities, producing unfair or discriminatory results. By prioritizing security and compliance, we’re doing much more than protecting data – we’re protecting our values.

Transparency Breeds Trust, Always

Frankly, the AI industry needs more transparency. We need companies to be open about their security practices, their data handling policies, and their efforts to mitigate bias. We should support thoughtful regulations that hold AI development and deployment to the highest ethical and responsible standards.

Together AI’s SOC 2 Type 2 compliance is an important milestone. While this isn’t the end goal, it places us on the right trajectory going forward. Most importantly, it’s a signal to your market—customers, partners, and the public—that they’re committed to security. In a world where honest information is becoming harder and harder to find, that’s priceless.