Build a Governance-Aware AI Sandbox with Node.js

What We’re Building

In this tutorial, we will create a robust backend system using Node.js and Express, designed to enforce governance rules and manage AI services securely. The system will feature a modular monolithic architecture with middleware for token validation, RBAC (Role-Based Access Control), and project-level scoping. It will also integrate external AI services like OpenAI and Hugging Face to perform inference tasks.

The AI sandbox will serve as a controlled environment where developers can experiment with AI models while adhering to strict governance policies. This is particularly useful for organizations that need to ensure compliance and security in AI-driven applications, aligning with initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030.

Setup and Installation

We’ll start by setting up the project environment. This involves installing Node.js, Express, and TypeScript, as well as configuring the necessary environment variables for API access.

npm install express@5.x typescript@5.4 better-sqlite3 dotenv

Next, create a .env file to store API keys and other sensitive information securely. This file should...