Samsung has reportedly banned its employees from using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard on company-owned devices and internal networks. The move comes after some employees inadvertently leaked confidential information through ChatGPT a few weeks back.
Samsung bans the use of ChatGPT and Bard on official devices
Like many other companies, Samsung also planned to use generative AI tools for business growth. It hoped AI to help boost its faltering chip business. However, things didn’t pan out as planned. Shortly after the company gave its employees access to ChatGPT to speed up various processes in mid-March, reporters emerged that the AI chatbot leaked confidential semiconductor information.
This happened after some Samsung employees fed internal data to the AI tool created by Microsoft-backed OpenAI. Where they erred is that they didn’t realize that the likes of ChatGPT and Bard permanently store any information fed to them. These tools use the information for learning purposes. But in the process, they could also end up sharing the information with other users. And since they store the data on external servers, it’s difficult for Samsung to retrieve and delete it.
It’s unclear what information Samsung employees inadvertently leaked through ChatGPT. However, the leaks happened in three separate instances within three weeks. The company has now sent a memo to employees ordering them to stop using the AI tool on official devices and internal networks. Employees are also advised not to feed any company-related information to generative AI tools on their personal devices. They are also barred from sharing personal data that could reveal the company’s intellectual property.
According to a Bloomberg report, Samsung has warned its employees that breaking these policies could cost them their jobs. “We ask that you diligently adhere to our security guidelines and failure to do so may result in a breach or compromise of company information resulting in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment,” part of the memo reads. The memo was sent to employees at one of Samsung’s biggest divisions on Monday, the report states.
Samsung is developing its own AI tools for internal use
Samsung may have banned the use of ChatGPT and Bard on its official devices, but it still sees AI going a long way in boosting its business. The company is reportedly creating its own generative AI tools for internal use. It plans to use those tools “for translation and summarizing documents as well as for software development”. At the same time, Samsung is also working on ways to block external AI services from obtaining sensitive company information. ChatGPT recently added an “incognito” mode where it doesn’t save conversations for learning purposes.
“Interest in generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT has been growing internally and externally. While this interest focuses on the usefulness and efficiency of these platforms, there are also growing concerns about security risks presented by generative AI,” Samsung told staff. “HQ is reviewing security measures to create a secure environment for safely using generative AI to enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency. However, until these measures are prepared, we are temporarily restricting the use of generative AI,” the memo added.
2023-05-02 15:10:19