Samsung Implements Ban on Generative AI Tools Due to Security Risks

Highlights

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• In order to prevent data breaches, Samsung has prohibited its employees from using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing.

• The new policy bars the disclosure of any confidential or personal information related to the company on generative AI platforms, and applies to all devices and networks owned by Samsung.

• Samsung is currently creating its own in-house AI tools for translation, document summarization, and software development that conform to its security standards.

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Samsung has banned the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing by its employees due to the risk of data breach. The company discovered that its staff uploaded sensitive source code to ChatGPT in April, which could have been exposed to other users or hackers. The new policy prohibits any disclosure of confidential or personal information related to the company on generative AI platforms, and applies to all company-owned devices and internal networks.

Generative AI tools are software applications that can create text, images, audio, or video based on user input. They use deep learning techniques to generate realistic and coherent content that can be useful for various purposes, such as writing, summarizing, translating, or coding. However, these tools also pose security risks, as they may store the data entered by the users on external servers, which are difficult to erase or retrieve.

Samsung is not the only company that is concerned about the potential misuse of generative AI tools. In 2019, OpenAI, the research organization that created ChatGPT, decided not to release the full version of its model, citing ethical and safety issues. The company said that such a powerful tool could be used for malicious purposes, such as generating fake news, impersonating others online, or spamming. OpenAI later released a more limited version of ChatGPT that required users to agree to a set of terms and conditions.

While AI has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including healthcare, finance, and education, there is also a dark side to this technology. Some experts warn that AI could be used to amplify existing biases, discrimination, and inequality in society, as well as to enable surveillance, manipulation, and control of individuals and groups. 

For example, facial recognition algorithms have been shown to have higher error rates for women and people of color, leading to potential misidentification and false arrests. In addition, AI-generated content such as deepfakes and bot-generated messages can spread misinformation and propaganda, leading to the erosion of trust in public institutions and the media. Samsung has opted not to fall prey to potential AI malpractices, taking proactive measures to prevent data breaches and protect confidential information through its ban on the use of generative AI tools by its employees.

Samsung's decision to ban generative AI tools reflects the growing awareness of the need to balance innovation and security in the era of artificial intelligence. The company said that it is developing its own internal AI tools for translation, summarizing documents, and software development, which will comply with its security guidelines. Samsung also urged its employees to adhere to its policy and warned that any violation could result in disciplinary action or termination of employment.