Developing a Policy for Employee Use of ChatGPT in the Workplace
Generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, are becoming increasingly common in the modern workplace. These tools can perform a wide range of tasks, from drafting marketing campaigns to generating software code and analyzing problems. However, their use can also create significant risks for a company if not properly governed.
Why Is a Policy Necessary?
There are several reasons why it is critical to have a corporate policy governing the use of generative AI tools like ChatGPT:
- Generative AI tools may produce inaccurate output, including "hallucinations" or biased or incomplete analysis and conclusions.
- The use of these tools may lead to the unintentional sharing of confidential or proprietary information.
- Without proper legal guidance, the use of ChatGPT may create intellectual property ownership issues.
- A lack of policy or guidance may lead to ineffective or irresponsible use of generative AI tools, resulting in inefficiencies and potential distractions.
Developing and Implementing a Corporate Policy
When developing a policy for the use of generative AI tools in the workplace, companies should consider the following issues:
- The scope of permitted use of ChatGPT, including any restrictions on the use of confidential or proprietary information.
- The potential risks associated with the use of generative AI tools and how to mitigate them.
- Education on intellectual property ownership issues as they pertain to generative AI tools.
- The importance of effective and responsible use of generative AI tools by employees.
Conclusion
A comprehensive corporate policy governing the use of generative AI tools in the workplace can help organizations harness their full potential while seeking to mitigate potential risks and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. However, adherence to these policies ultimately depends on the integrity of the employees to whom they are addressed.
