South Korean tech giant Samsung has imposed a temporary ban on the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT on its internal networks and company-owned devices. This move comes after Samsung employees unknowingly leaked internal documents and source codes to ChatGPT. In an internal memo to employees, the company cited security risks associated with uploading sensitive information to these AI platforms.
In the memo, Samsung explained that it intends to create a secure environment to use generative AI tools safely. While this move affects all AI tools, OpenAI’s ChatGPT seems to pose the biggest threat to the company’s privacy. This is because people can use ChatGPT to write responses to emails or summaries of reports, which may involve inputting sensitive information that OpenAI could access.
However, it should be noted that the privacy risks involved with the use of ChatGPT vary based on user interaction. If a company is using ChatGPT’s API, then the conversations with the bot are not stored in the servers and are not visible to the support team. On the other hand, if you are using ChatGPT normally with the default settings, then your information will be used to train the bot.
“HQ is reviewing security measures to create a secure environment for safely using generative AI to enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency,” said the company’s internal memo, reported Bloomberg Samsung plans to lift this ban in the future and is working on developing in-house tools to help with translation, summarizing documents, and software development.
Samsung’s temporary ban follows similar moves by other companies and institutions that have placed limits on the use of generative AI tools, though the reasons for restrictions vary. JP Morgan has restricted their use over compliance concerns, other banks such as Bank of America, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, and Wells Fargo have also banned the use of generative AI due to various reasons. Even New York City schools have banned ChatGPT citing cheating and misinformation fears.
As the AI market is gaining prominence, concerns over jobs and the potential misuse of ChatGPT and other generative AI seems inevitable. ChatGPT even faces an uncertain future in Europe and Canada over its data policies.
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