Samsung is temporarily restricting the use of generative AI tools on company-owned devices, including computers, tablets, and phones, as well as non-company-owned devices running on internal networks. The move comes after sensitive internal data from Samsung was accidentally leaked to OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot, ChatGPT, last month. The ban would cover not only ChatGPT but services that use the technology, like Microsoft’s Bing, as well as competing generative AI services like Bard from Google.
Samsung stated that it is reviewing measures to create a secure environment for safely using generative AI to enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency. However, until these measures are ready, they are temporarily restricting the use of generative AI through company devices. This restriction will only apply to devices issued by Samsung to its workers, meaning consumers and others that own Samsung phones, laptops, and other connected devices will not be impacted.
Samsung is said to be developing its own in-house AI tools for “software development and translation” and will lift the temporary restriction once security measures are in place.
OpenAI’s generative AI chatbot ChatGPT has gained massive popularity worldwide since its launch last November, but some of its popularity has been met with significant roadblocks. Some have flagged potential violations of data privacy, copyright violations, and inaccuracies in ChatGPT’s responses.
The tech giant initially allowed employees at its device solutions (DS) division, which manages its semiconductor and display businesses, to use generative AI from March 11. In the aftermath of the data leak, Samsung also asked staff using generative AI tools elsewhere “not to submit any company-related information or personal data,” which could disclose its intellectual property.
One of the issues that Samsung noted is that it is difficult to “retrieve and delete” the data on external servers, and the data transmitted to such AI tools could be disclosed to other users. Based on Samsung’s internal survey in April, about 65% of participants said using generative AI tools carries a security risk.
OpenAI has been working to address some of the more controversial issues to remove some of the more high-profile bans. Most recently, ChatGPT services were resumed in Italy after OpenAI unveiled a plan to introduce new privacy controls. Major banks, including Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and JPMorgan, are among the other businesses that have recently restricted employees’ use of ChatGPT.
In South Korea, other large tech companies, including LG and memory chip maker SK Hynix, are struggling to make their own guidelines for using generative AI tools.