Samsung Bans AI-Generative Tools At Workplace After Employees Accidentally Leaked Sensitive Data

Samsung has reportedly banned the use of all generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Bing AI chatbot. Samsung employees must not use any of these platforms for any work-related activities as it may lead to data leakage, fears the company.

After reportedly discovering staff uploaded sensitive code to one of the generative AI platforms, Samsung has issued a blanket ban on using ChatGPT, Bard, and other similar tools for work. The memo issued by the company discusses the risks associated with using these AI-based platforms.

Samsung Asks Staff Not To Use Any Generative AI Platforms For Work

Samsung reportedly notified staff at one of its biggest divisions on Monday about the new policy via a memo. Samsung's memo to employees reads:

"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 has even justified the decision by revealing a potential data leakage owing to the use of the generative AI platform ChatGPT. The memo even hinted that Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code by uploading it on ChatGPT.

Samsung will deploy additional security measures, as indicated in the memo. "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."

Samsung Bans Use Of Generative AI Tools Due To Security Concerns?

A few companies, and even nations, have started restricting the use of generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Bing AI, and others, claiming they could harbor sensitive data. Samsung wasn't one of these companies.

Samsung had allowed its engineers at the semiconductor division to use ChatGPT to help fix problems with source code. However. some employees reportedly entered top-secret data, which may have included source code for a new program and internal meeting notes relating to their hardware, into the platform.

Although the employees mistakenly entered the data, it now resides on servers, which Samsung cannot directly control. Moreover, as data accepted by these platforms is stored on external servers, it may end up in the wrong hands, feared Samsung.

The new rules ban the use of generative AI systems on computers, tablets, and phones, as well as on internal networks that Samsung owns and offers its employees. Samsung products sold to consumers, such as Android smartphones and Windows laptops, aren't restricted from accessing these platforms.