Why Relying on Web Searches and AI for Regulatory Compliance Is Risky – And What to Do Instead! – July 2025
by Michael Pellegrino, Chief Client Officer, Simplata Solutions LLC
In an era where information is always just a few clicks away, it’s easy to assume that regulatory answers can be found as quickly and easily as restaurant reviews or weather forecasts. Whether you’re searching Google, asking a chatbot, or relying on AI-generated summaries, the promise of instant guidance feels efficient – especially for busy teams managing multiple products, markets, and deadlines.
But when it comes to regulatory compliance, that approach can be dangerously misleading.
Unlike general knowledge, regulatory requirements are specific, evolving, and highly contextual. A rule that applies in one jurisdiction might not apply in another. Guidance that was accurate a year ago might now be outdated. And perhaps most importantly, the information surfaced by web searches or AI platforms is often a secondary interpretation – an article, post, or summary – rather than the regulation itself. In many cases, you’re not seeing the source material at all, and even subtle differences in wording can lead to significant misinterpretation.
Adding to the confusion, search and AI results are not consistent. You can ask the same question three different times and get three different answers, depending on phrasing, algorithm changes, or what data sources the AI or search engine prioritizes at that moment.
These discrepancies make it nearly impossible for compliance teams to operate with confidence.
For businesses, this lack of reliability introduces real risk. Compliance professionals, product managers, legal teams, and executives all rely on accurate regulatory data to make decisions that affect everything from market entry to consumer safety. A missed update, an incorrect citation, or a misread requirement can have wide-reaching consequences – delaying product launches, increasing costs, or triggering enforcement actions. And as regulatory landscapes become more complex and global, the challenge only grows.
AskSprut from Simplata Solutions was built with this reality in mind. It offers a centralized platform where businesses can access actual, standardized regulations. Rather than piecing together guidance from multiple sources, teams can rely on a single system that supports collaboration across legal, product, compliance, and other corporate functions. By simplifying the work of monitoring and managing regulations, AskSprut helps organizations save time, reduce risk, and make informed decisions.
Navigating the complex world of product safety and regulatory compliance requires more than quick answers. It requires clarity, consistency, and a structured approach to information. For businesses looking to improve how they manage compliance in a fast-changing environment, having the right tools in place is a meaningful first step.
About Simplata Solutions:
Simplata Solutions transitions data into knowledge in all industries and areas of like. The company brings together a team of data, cybersecurity, and testing, inspection, and certification experts serving global retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Our solutions help customers manage complex data to ensure their ability to sell in global and local markets.
