As 2026 approaches, the information governance and records management landscape are, not surprisingly, evolving at an unprecedented pace. Organizations are navigating new challenges in data privacy, compliance, and emerging technologies, all while striving to stay efficient and secure.
From AI-driven automation to the growing demand for defensible disposition and digital preservation, the coming year promises big shifts in how businesses manage information.
In this blog, Zasio’s experts share their predictions for 2026.
Jennifer Chadband — Senior Consultant, CRM, IGP, CIPP/E, Licensed Attorney
Records and information programs will continue to build momentum towards simpler, more connected ways of working. Evolving technology and tools that automate filing and disposal will make it easier than ever to manage information, freeing teams to focus on higher‑value work. A growing sense of urgency will also accelerate a big shift already underway: viewing records not merely as compliance requirements, but as resources to organize and use to improve decision‑making.
In 2026, this familiar goal will be more vital than ever: build programs that are easy to follow, reduce wasted effort, and maximize the value of the information organizations already possess.
Will Fletcher, General Counsel, CIPP/US/E, IGP
RIM and IG professionals will intensify their focus on capturing and retaining “records of compliance” across the increasingly complex landscape of data privacy and AI regulations.
For data privacy, critical records of compliance include transfer impact assessments, data protection impact assessments, and evidence of DSAR compliance. For AI, they include AI impact assessments, AI architecture documentation, retention and deletion logs for AI inputs and outputs, and the policies and standards that comprise an organization’s responsible AI governance program.
Organizations relying on digital systems and automation must also ensure these systems can produce record outputs on demand, and preserve them for as long as necessary, whether for regulatory investigations or legal defense.
Warren Bean — VP Technology & Product Development, CRM, CISM
- AI agents will require management similar to human users to control identity and access management. This includes which agents can access specific data repositories, what actions they can perform, and how to verify their authenticity.
- Governance frameworks will expand to include human oversight of AI systems and validation of LLMs and inference outcomes.
- Archivists will have to rethink the concept of ‘provenance’—the history of records and information, including their movements and transformations–-in light of AI deepfakes.
Rick Surber, Senior Consultant, CRM, IGP, Licensed Attorney
As AI growth accelerates in 2026, phishing and other information security intrusions will become more convincing and successful. This will cause data breaches to become more common as attackers use AI to automate social engineering and scale their efforts. In response, solid information governance will matter more than ever.
Clear retention rules, continuity planning, strong information security practices, and well-defined response processes will be essential—not to prevent every incident, but to limit impact, speed recovery, and prevent disruptions from escalating into expensive, long-lasting problems.
Stephanie Martin, Vice President of Product Management & Support
Privacy, security, cost, and accuracy concerns will continue to slow adoption of new AI agents, especially for smaller organizations. Large infrastructure costs and regulatory demands without parallel profits will likely accelerate the price of AI services. However, the benefits of AI will be limited if records lack quality, consistent metadata, or proper organization, making data hygiene a prerequisite for success. Accordingly, successful records management will still depend on record quality.
Navigating the Future of Records & Information Management in 2026
Preparing for 2026 requires a strategic alignment of policy, security, and high-quality metadata. Zasio’s enterprise-grade records management software is specifically designed to handle these complexities, offering the automation and defensible disposition tools necessary to stay ahead of the curve.
Contact Zasio today to learn how our experts and technology can help you audit and optimize your RIM program for the future.
Disclaimer: The purpose of this post is to provide general education on information governance topics. The statements are informational only and do not constitute legal advice. If you have specific questions regarding the application of the law to your business activities, you should seek the advice of your legal counsel.