Samsung, Apple… the list of companies restricting ChatGPT use is on the rise.
The reason? Companies fear employees will send confidential data to the chat.
Plus, ChatGPT privacy issues often hit the headlines.
In this context, it’s no surprise that many companies panic and consider banning AI tools such as ChatGPT.
The problem with this approach is that it doesn’t address the real issue – a lack of education and guidance for employees on how to use these tools securely.
Instead of banning AI tools, which would likely be ineffective, companies should focus on implementing a ChatGPT policy and providing education for their employees.
Growing Concerns Related to ChatGPT Privacy
The increasing popularity of AI tools like ChatGPT has raised legitimate concerns about privacy and data protection. Let’s be clear, such concerns are valid.
While these tools offer numerous benefits for businesses, they can also pose risks if not used securely.
For example, confidential data may inadvertently be shared, leading to potential breaches or leaks.
This is why companies need to be proactive in managing the topic of ChatGPT privacy.
Companies Seem to Panic Instead of Managing the Topic
Many companies are reacting strongly, deciding to ban AI tools like ChatGPT, but I think this is a wrong bet.
This approach is unlikely to work for three key reasons:
1) Employees can still access ChatGPT from their personal devices, bypassing company restrictions,
2) banning AI tools stifles innovation and limits the potential benefits that companies can gain from this technology (while competitors will use them),
and 3) focusing solely on banning ignores the need for proper employee education and policy implementation.
Instead of resorting to a ban, companies should address the issue of ChatGPT privacy by creating clear policies and educating employees on best privacy practices.
(PS: I can think of additional technical limits to the ban. ChatGPT is not just the OpenAI website, but all the websites that rely on chatGPT thanks to an API Key.
1000+ websites like this are created every day and cannot be seriously blacklisted.
Plus, competitors are popping out every day, proposing other LLMs that have nothing to do with chatGPT but present similar risks and opportunities. Think about Google Bard, for example).
It All Starts with a Policy Implemented by the Executives
To effectively manage the risks associated with ChatGPT, companies need to start by implementing a clear policy that outlines acceptable use and guidelines for the AI tool.
This policy should be created by the company executives to ensure that it is comprehensive and aligned with the organization’s values and goals.
Here is a ChatGPT policy template to help you get started with creating your own policy.
Then the Key is Education of Employees
Once a ChatGPT policy is in place, the next step is to educate employees on the importance of following the policy and using AI tools securely.
This can be done through regular training sessions and by providing resources to help employees understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them.
Check out this course on ChatGPT privacy to get started with employee education.
If you are a security/data protection/risk management professional and want to train your employees regarding ChatGPT privacy, check out this ChatGPT Privacy training slides deck.
If you want to start slowly, just educate with an article about how to use ChatGPT while protecting sensitive personal and business information (secure prompting practices).
Conclusion
Banning AI tools like ChatGPT is probably not the solution to the growing concerns about privacy. There are so many ways restrictions can be bypassed. It creates a big opportunity cost for the business. And users can still do silly things…
Instead, companies should focus on educating their employees about the risks and best practices associated with using these tools.
By implementing a clear ChatGPT policy and providing ongoing education, businesses can reap the benefits of AI technology while also minimizing potential security risks.
