Samsung Electronics is banning worker use of fashionable generative AI instruments like ChatGPT after discovering workers uploaded delicate code to the platform, dealing a setback to the unfold of such know-how within the office.
The Suwon, South Korea-based firm notified workers at one in every of its largest divisions on Monday concerning the new coverage through a memo reviewed by Bloomberg News. The firm is worried that knowledge transmitted to such synthetic intelligence platforms together with Google Bard and Bing is saved on exterior servers, making it tough to retrieve and delete, and will find yourself being disclosed to different customers, in line with the doc.
The firm carried out a survey final month about the usage of AI instruments internally and mentioned that 65 p.c of respondents imagine that such companies pose a safety threat. Earlier in April, Samsung engineers unintentionally leaked inside supply code by importing it to ChatGPT, in line with the memo. It’s unclear what the data encompassed, and a Samsung consultant declined to remark.
“Interest in generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT has been growing internally and externally,” Samsung advised workers. “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 is simply the most recent massive firm to specific concern concerning the know-how. In February, solely a few months after OpenAI’s chatbot service stirred up a storm of curiosity within the know-how, some Wall Street banks together with JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Citigroup both banned or restricted its use. Italy additionally barred the usage of ChatGPT over privateness fears, although it reversed its stance in latest days.
The new Samsung guidelines ban the usage of generative AI methods on company-owned computer systems, tablets, and telephones, in addition to on its inside networks. They don’t have an effect on the corporate’s units offered to customers, similar to Android smartphones and Windows laptops.
Samsung requested workers who use ChatGPT and different instruments on private units to not submit any company-related data or private knowledge that might reveal its mental property. It warned that breaking the brand new insurance policies might lead to being fired.
“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,” Samsung mentioned within the memo.
In the meantime, the corporate is creating its personal inside AI instruments for translation and summarizing paperwork in addition to for software program growth. It’s additionally engaged on methods to dam the add of delicate firm data to exterior companies. Last month, ChatGPT added an “incognito” mode that permits customers to dam their chats from getting used for AI mannequin coaching.
“HQ is reviewing security measures to create a secure environment for safely using generative AI to enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency,” the memo mentioned. “However, until these measures are prepared, we are temporarily restricting the use of generative AI.”
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