Samsung Bans ChatGPT Use After Employee Data Leaks
Samsung has implemented a company-wide ban on generative AI tools like ChatGPT for its employees, citing concerns about data security and potential leaks. The ban applies to all Samsung-owned devices and internal networks. This decision comes after incidents where sensitive information, including internal source code, was uploaded to the AI chatbot.
Sensitive Data Leaks Through ChatGPT
Employees Uploading Confidential Information
Recent incidents have revealed that employees upload sensitive data onto ChatGPT, causing potential information leaks. Additionally, Samsung discovered employees putting confidential data, including source code, into ChatGPT for debugging purposes.
Another example involved an executive pasting their company’s 2023 strategy document into ChatGPT to create a PowerPoint presentation. Although intended to benefit the organization, these actions have resulted in confidential information being taken outside of the company.
The Extent of Data Leaks
According to Cyberhaven, sensitive data makes up 11% of what employees paste into ChatGPT, with the average company leaking sensitive data to ChatGPT hundreds of times weekly.
Since ChatGPT’s launch, 4.0% of employees have pasted sensitive data into the tool at least once. This high usage and exponential growth of ChatGPT contribute to the significant amount of leaked information.
Other Companies Restricting AI Use
Samsung is not alone in its concerns about generative AI tools. Major companies like JPMorgan, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Amazon have also restricted or banned using tools like ChatGPT.
These companies are worried about proprietary data leaks, privacy violations, copyright infringements, and inaccuracies in AI-generated responses.
Samsung’s Own AI Development
Despite the ban on ChatGPT, Samsung is reportedly working on developing its own generative AI solutions. This move aligns with other companies, such as JPMorgan, which have created their own AI tools while restricting the use of third-party solutions like ChatGPT.