Following instances of “misuse” of the technology, Samsung Electronics has prohibited employees in its mobile and appliances divisions from using generative AI services such as ChatGPT, the company announced on Tuesday. Interest in artificial intelligence chatbots has soared since the Microsoft-backed ChatGPT debuted in November.
ChatGPT became a worldwide sensation when it generated essays, songs, tests, and even news pieces from simple prompts. Critics have expressed concern about how ChatGPT and its competitors gather and process data.
In recent months, several financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, have banned or restricted their employees’ use of ChatGPT-like platforms.
Samsung Electronics of South Korea, one of the world’s top manufacturers of memory chips and cellphones, has now joined that list.
A Samsung official told AFP that the ban applies to employees in the mobile and appliances divisions.
An internal memo obtained by AFP says Samsung is working to find ways to use generative AI services in a “security-safe environment for employees so that work efficiency and convenience can be enhanced”.
“… until these measures are prepared, we are banning the use of generative AI services for company-owned computers temporarily,” it said.
The memo from the Suwon-based corporation also warns employees to avoid uploading work-related material to such platforms when using personal computers outside of company premises.
It claims that there have been “instances of misuse” of ChatGPT-like functionality by Samsung personnel, but provides no further details.
According to the document, more than 60% of Samsung employees claimed in an internal poll that utilizing generative AI platforms with business equipment posed security threats.
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