Samsung, one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world, has banned its employees from using popular generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing. The ban, owing to data security and privacy concerns, came after the accidental leak of internal sensitive data from Samsung to ChatGPT last month. According to a memo seen by Bloomberg, the ban is temporary. It will last until security measures come in place to ensure a secure environment for using generative AI to enhance employee productivity and efficiency.
The prohibition covers company-owned devices such as computers, tablets, and phones, as well as devices not owned by the company but operating on internal networks. In addition to ChatGPT, other generative AI services that use similar technology, such as Microsoft’s Bing and Google’s Bard, are also included in the ban.
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Reasons for Samsung’s Ban on Generative AI
One of the primary concerns driving this decision is the storage of data used by AI systems on external servers that could potentially become public. Retrieving and deleting such data poses significant challenges, making it difficult to ensure data privacy and security. An internal survey conducted by Samsung in April revealed that 65% of participants believed that using generative AI tools carried a security risk.
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Samsung’s Approach to the Issue
Samsung is developing its own in-house AI tools for software development and translation, according to the report. The company hopes that these tools will provide a more secure environment for employees to use AI to enhance their productivity without worrying about data privacy issues.
OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot ChatGPT has rapidly gained popularity worldwide since its launch last November. People have relied on it to provide text-based answers to everything from basic research to business tasks. However, the rise of AI technology is facing severe obstacles. Besides proprietary data leaking to the service, others have flagged potential violations of data privacy, copyright violations, and inaccuracies in ChatGPT’s responses.
Generative AI Tools Restrictions across Organizations
Several large tech companies in South Korea, including LG and memory chip maker SK Hynix, are struggling to develop their guidelines for using generative AI tools. Major banks such as Citi Bank, Deutsche Bank, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan have also restricted employees’ use of ChatGPT recently.
OpenAI has been working to address some of the more controversial issues surrounding generative AI tools, including introducing new privacy controls. Recently, ChatGPT services were resumed in Italy after OpenAI unveiled a plan to address data privacy concerns.
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Our Say
Samsung’s decision to ban its employees from using popular generative AI tools highlights growing concerns about data privacy and security. With the rise of AI technology, it is crucial for companies to ensure that their employees can use these tools safely and effectively without compromising sensitive data. As more businesses look to leverage AI to improve productivity and efficiency, it is essential to establish appropriate guidelines for using these tools responsibly.
