When we recently asked AI to provide content on “the risks and benefits of using AI in the workplace", this is what AI wrote:
"Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving field that aims to create intelligent machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. It involves the development of algorithms and models that enable computers to learn from and adapt to data, making autonomous decisions and predictions. However, with the benefits come challenges. Ensuring ethical use of AI, addressing bias in algorithms, and protecting data privacy are critical concerns. Transparency and accountability in AI decision-making processes are essential for building trust. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to strike a balance between innovation and ethical considerations, enabling us to harness the full potential of AI while ensuring its responsible and beneficial deployment in the workplace."
Some of our clients are worried...
They don’t want to be left behind, but they don’t have time to fully understand the possible implications of AI on their business. Our advice is to allow them and their team to put AI to use while mitigating the risk via clear policy guidelines and articulated expectations.
The scary stuff
Some of the risks associated with your people using AI in their roles within your business:
The internet is wrong and is rife with bias, and depending on the AI used, this incorrect information may inform the AI, leading to errors or mistakes.
The information fed into the machine will influence the output, so depending on who is teaching the AI and with what information, the results may vary and could be discriminatory, prejudicial or inaccurate.
Using AI in conjunction with workplace programs such as Excel could result in data and privacy breaches.
Breach of copyright can occur where data, images and other copyrighted material is supplied by AI in response to a query and the user goes on to use it in a manner that is in conflict with the licensing aspects of that material.
Putting any information into a third-party provider exposes your company to cyber security risks.
The useful stuff
AI is not all bad and can be very beneficial for businesses when used in the right way.
Using it to assist in drafting content for social media posts, policies, and other workplace documents.
Reducing writing time and allows content to be reviewed, rather than wholly written from scratch.
Assist with formulas and other problems that might take excessive time to identify the solution.
Assist in the guise of a chatbot to reduce friction for customers and clients in obtaining information about your business.
Helping the humans in your organisation focus on the higher-value use of their talents rather than repetitive tasks and processes.
While connecting to an AI platform can create greater cyber-security risk, AI itself can act as a sniffer-dog for cyber security issues.
Risk mitigation strategies
Like most activities in business, there is an element of risk; so, working out how to leverage the benefits while mitigating risk is the key:
Have a clear idea of how AI will be most useful for your business and discuss this with your team to help you understand how they recommend/intend to use it.
Set boundaries and clear guidelines as a part of your internet usage policy.
Clearly articulate to your team the consequences of them breaching any policy.
Stay up to date with changes in the ever-evolving space of AI (either yourself or a nominated champion)
Adjust your approach in line with changes.
This information does not constitute legal, risk or cyber-security advice. Businesses are encouraged to seek independent legal, risk, or cyber-security advice based on the circumstances of the intended use of AI.
References:
The following links provide more information, or were the source of some of the information provided.
You can access the info sheet and recommended AI clause by signing up /logging in to the Resources section of the website, by clicking here: https://www.marthatravis.com/resources-tips/ai-clause-in-your-it-policy