Due to worries that they pose a security risk, Samsung has instructed staff to stop using generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard, according to a Monday Bloomberg report.
The action comes after a succession of embarrassing blunders last month, when Samsung employees allegedly fed ChatGPT three times with confidential semiconductor-related data.
The developer of ChatGPT, OpenAI, has recently added an incognito mode that enables users to prevent their inputs from being used for training AI models. However, since ChatGPT, like other generative-AI tools, is partially trained on submitted data, anything Samsung feeds into it could appear in a response to a question posed by another user anywhere in the world. As it evaluates conversations to enhance its systems and make sure the content complies with its policies and safety requirements, OpenAI itself has access to the data as well.
Samsung instructed personnel not to use the technology on company-owned laptops, tablets, and phones as well as on the firm’s internal networks in a message seen by Bloomberg, citing the possibility that information sent to generative AI platforms could wind up being made available to those outside the company.
Samsung’s memo stated that both internal and external interest has been developing in generative AI platforms like ChatGPT. “While this interest focuses on the usefulness and efficiency of these platforms, there are also growing concerns about the security risks presented by generative AI.”
It further said that non-compliant employees could experience disciplinary measures “up to and including termination of employment.”
Samsung is “reviewing security measures to create a secure environment for safely using generative AI to enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency,” according to the memo, but until the measures have been decided upon, the company is “temporarily restricting the use of generative AI.”
According to reports, Samsung is creating its own AI platform for software development, document summarization, and translation as part of attempts to integrate AI tools securely into the workplace.
Bloomberg notes that after banks including JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America Corp., and Citigroup Inc. decided to prohibit or at least restrict its use in the workplace, Samsung is the most recent significant company to take action against the technology due to security concerns.
In fact, because AI technology is developing so quickly, many businesses have been caught off guard by its debut and are scrambling to determine how to integrate it — or even restrict it — in the workplace.
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