Today’s AI can be incredibly helpful. And while we agree it may replace some jobs, it also creates opportunities for new, unexplored roles: AI Prompt Engineer, anyone?
In its current state of evolution, akin to a powerful but unpredictable toddler, we’re going to have to be incredibly careful. Beyond broader societal concerns, as a leader in your company, you must proactively address how, when, and where to integrate AI: what are the risks, and how can we mitigate them?
So, before you (or your team members) start using ChatGPT for everything under the sun — consider these top 4 issues with AI in the workplace.
One of the biggest concerns with AI is confidentiality. Did you know that all your ‘chats’ with ChatGPT are stored. Your queries and responses are used to help further teach the tool, but while that’s happening, your material has now become available to the public.
Imagine this: You need a marketing strategy for your new product — purple glitter nose covers. You enter the product specifics, target market, and other relevant information into ChatGPT, seeking a marketing strategy. Voila! In just two minutes, you receive a fully fleshed-out plan with social media posts, email copy, and more. But here’s the catch, you have unwittingly leaked your product to the world, or it may have been your junior marketing coordinator’s unintended actions.
According to CyberHaven, a leading data security company, “The average company leaks confidential material to ChatGPT hundreds of times weekly.” ChatGPT incorporates your material into its publicly available knowledge base, inadvertently sharing it.
Fortunately, you do have the option to opt out and prevent your information from being used for learning and potential public exposure. However, this crucial notice often goes unnoticed by most users, and by then it may already be too late.
Let’s not overlook the risk of trade secret erosion either. As Duke Law School aptly states, “A trade secret can be protected for an unlimited period of time, unless it is discovered or legally acquired by others and disclosed to the public.” You, as the business owner, may consider something a trade secret, only to find out it was fed into an AI system three months ago and has been available to the public since. In an instant, your trade secret may have lost its protection. (By the way — nope, we’re not a law firm, so check with yours before you take any action)
Next, let's shift our focus to security.
While it’s true that the biggest player on the field, ChatGPT, doesn’t have access to the internet, and so wouldn’t interact with web-based applications, the part of ChatGPT that is incorporated into Bing search does. Additionally, ChatGPT has announced integrations, and developers have started creating applications that work with ChatGPT and can provide access to other applications — applications you use to run your business.
While the potential benefits may seem substantial, you should carefully vet every piece of information you upload to an AI platform.
AI also poses another challenge — AI hallucinations. This term refers to instances where AI provides incorrect information, often with a high level of authority. To an untrained individual, it may appear unquestionably accurate. As an example,
ChatGPT: non-exempt employees in California must also accrue at least two weeks of vacation time per year...
User: why do you say non-exempt employees in California must accrue at least two weeks of vacation per year?
ChaptGPT: I apologize for the error in my previous response. In California, there is no state law requiring employers to provide vacation time to their employees…
To be fair, ChatGPT says, right up front, that it may provide inaccurate information. And so, AI won’t always be right, and it’s important to catch when it’s wrong.
Finally, there’s the issue of machine bias. These AI tools are programmed by people, who inevitably possess biased perspectives and limited exposure. AI learns based on the knowledge provided by humans. After all, ChatGPT learned basically by scraping information from the internet. And of course, we all know that everything on the internet is reliable and true… right?
So, how do you determine the right place for AI in your organization? Here is what we want you to think about —
· Be aware of the risks.
· Use AI tools responsibly.
· How do you envision using AI in your company?
· Who should have access to AI tools?
· What type of limits or guardrails should be in place?
· How might new AI-related laws impact your business?
and steps to take —
· Update your policies to specifically address AI usage — or it’s prohibition.
·Keep systems up to date with the latest security patches.
· Engage in discussions with your IT department regarding technology safeguards.
· Backup systems regularly to prevent data loss in the event of a cyberattack.
· Prioritize ongoing training for your team members, manager, and everyone involved, as the AI landscape evolves rapidly.
· Last but not least, use AI systems in conjunction with human judgement, this will allow you to monitor and look for any signs of bias in the AI outputs.
AI’s influence will continue to expand, gathering attention and concern. From the White House and the Dept of Homeland Security to local jurisdictions, AI is making its presence known. In fact, New York is the first state to create a set of rules around using Automated Employment Decision Tools, a fancy name for Recruiting AI. This collective effort reflects the recognition of AI’s transformative potential and the need to address it proactively.
As businesses navigate the evolving landscape of AI, it is crucial to consider the role this technology can play in your organization. Embracing AI strategically and responsibly can open doors to improved efficiency, informed decision-making, and enhanced customer experiences. By harnessing the power of AI as a tool to augment human capabilities and drive innovation, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the digital age and harness new opportunities for growth and success.
That’s it for now, until next time! As always, thank you for taking time out of your day to join us. Onward!
