“Shadow AI” Spreads Across Companies: Personal Use Creates New Risks
As generative AI spreads rapidly, “shadow AI,” in which employees personally use AI services for work that have not been approved by their companies, is becoming a problem. While convenient, it poses risks related to information management and operational security, making it a situation companies can no longer overlook.
With shadow AI, employees may use generative AI tools they found on their own to draft documents or organize information. However, in the process, there is a risk that they may input internal company information or customer data into external AI services. This increases the danger of important information leaking outside the company.
In addition, if content generated by AI is used for work without being sufficiently checked, incorrect information may spread internally and externally as it is. Furthermore, because companies cannot grasp the actual usage, they may not know what kind of AI is being used in which department, and their response may be delayed when problems occur.
In response to these risks, companies are being required to take concrete measures. First, it is important to clearly present rules for AI use to employees and communicate in an easy-to-understand way which services can be used. It is also necessary to provide education about the danger of information leaks and the importance of not accepting AI responses at face value.
While generative AI is useful for improving work efficiency, using it incorrectly can lead to major trouble. Companies are required not only to ban its use across the board, but also to establish an environment and rules for safe use so that employees can make proper use of it.