In Short:
Generative AI technology poses privacy risks in the workplace, but steps can be taken to mitigate them. Avoid sharing sensitive information in prompts, validate AI-generated content, and configure systems correctly. Firms like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI assure privacy protection and offer controls for data usage. As AI becomes more advanced, companies and individuals must treat it like any other third-party service to safeguard information.
Self-Censorship
Generative AI technology has the potential to be used for monitoring employees, according to Elcock. To mitigate risks, businesses and individual employees can take steps to enhance privacy and security. Avoid sharing confidential information in prompts for public tools like ChatGPT or Google’s Gemini, advises Lisa Avvocato from data firm Sama.
When using AI, craft generic prompts and avoid including sensitive details. Use AI as a first draft and then manually add any confidential information needed. Validate AI’s output, especially for research purposes, by asking for references and links to sources. Review any code generated by AI before implementing it.
Microsoft emphasizes the importance of configuring Copilot correctly and applying the principle of least privilege, as highlighted by Prism Infosec’s Robinson. Organizations should not solely rely on technology and must establish proper foundations for AI systems.
ChatGPT utilizes shared data for training unless users opt out or use the enterprise version.
List of Assurances
Companies integrating generative AI into their products assure users of enhanced security and privacy measures. Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI outline their commitment to safeguarding user data and privacy.
Google states that its generative AI in Workspace upholds existing privacy protections and does not use information for advertising purposes. OpenAI offers self-service tools for users to control their data, including the ability to export, delete personal information, and opt-out of content usage for model improvement.
As AI technology advances, businesses and individuals should treat it like any other third-party service and refrain from sharing sensitive information, advises Woollven.
