ADG 2.0 Framework Released for Free to Governments

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 1, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The EC-Council, a global cybersecurity and AI organization founded in 2001, has released ADG 2.0, the second version of its Adopt, Defend, Govern (ADG) framework. The release comes as governments around the world are grappling with the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), with some nations advocating for new multilateral rules while others are skeptical or dismissive of the need for such regulations.

EC-Council's ADG 2.0 framework, which replaces the original 12 minimum controls with more than 180 controls in 12 control families, is now available free of charge to governments, regulators, and standards bodies worldwide. The framework is mapped to more than 90 regulations, standards, and global frameworks, including NIST AI RMF, ISO/IEC 42001, and the EU AI Act. This comprehensive mapping allows public authorities to align their own laws and standards with ADG 2.0, making governance more straightforward and consistent.

The ADG 2.0 framework includes a wide range of controls designed to govern AI across its entire lifecycle, from design and data through runtime monitoring, incident response, and third-party risk management. The framework also features crosswalks to 90+ regulations, standards, and frameworks, providing regulators with a clear understanding of how proposed national rules align with existing requirements. These crosswalks are particularly useful for enterprises, as they help organizations understand how their AI governance efforts align with the requirements of various regulatory bodies.

ADG 2.0's crosswalks to global standards and regulations are a significant resource for governments and regulators. For example, the Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for the establishment of new multilateral rules to govern AI, suggesting that a UN Framework Convention on AI Safeguards could be a solution. In contrast, President Trump of the United States has expressed skepticism about the need for such regulations, arguing that concerns about AI risks are being exaggerated.

The ADG 2.0 framework is stewarded by EC-Council's 38-member AI Advisory Board, which comprises industry leaders and experts who have practical experience in building, securing, transforming, and governing AI across some of the world's leading organizations. This board provides guidance and support to ensure that ADG 2.0 is implemented effectively and consistently across different jurisdictions.

EC-Council's ADG 2.0 framework also includes a tiered autonomy model, which outlines the different levels of autonomy that AI systems can operate at, and the evidence that must be kept to ensure accountability. The framework also includes a DART implementation method, which helps organizations discover, analyze, report, and transform their governance gaps into effective practices.

The ADG 2.0 framework is available free of charge to governments, regulators, and standards bodies, with no registration or licensing requirements. This makes it an accessible and valuable resource for those seeking to govern AI effectively and consistently. EC-Council's commitment to providing ADG 2.0 to the public underscores its belief that effective AI governance is essential for ensuring the safe and responsible use of AI technologies.

As governments continue to debate the appropriate level of regulation for AI, ADG 2.0 offers a practical and comprehensive framework for governing AI. By aligning national rules with ADG 2.0's crosswalks to global standards, governments can ensure that their AI governance efforts are consistent and effective. EC-Council's ADG 2.0 framework is a valuable tool for governments, regulators, and standards bodies looking to govern AI in a way that balances innovation with safety and accountability.