AI Tools in Professional and Personal Life: Benefits and Risks
AI tools are software that use artificial intelligence to perform tasks. By leveraging large datasets and algorithms, tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot learn and adapt through machine learning. They are designed to assist with a wide range of activities, from simple daily tasks to more complex professional responsibilities.
In your professional life, AI tools can streamline workflows by summarising meeting notes, writing well-structured emails, and planning social media posts. On a personal level, they can assist with tasks like meal planning and organising daily schedules.
While AI tools offer numerous benefits that enhance productivity, they also come with potential downsides. For example, the use of large datasets may lead to inadvertent plagiarism, raising concerns about copyright infringement. Additionally, the data may contain misinformation, which could contradict your company’s values and negatively impact its reputation. There are also privacy concerns, as AI systems store data. Inputting personal or client information may risk a data breach. To mitigate these risks, follow these best practices:
Only use AI tools your employer approves.
Not all AI tools are created equal, and some may not comply with your organisation’s security and privacy standards. Before using any AI tool, ensure that it has been vetted and approved by your employer to prevent data leaks or compliance issues. Approved tools will have been reviewed for their data handling practices, security features, and how they align with company policies.
Treat AI like a third-party service.
When using AI tools, treat them as you would any external service provider. Be cautious with what information you input into the tool, as sensitive or confidential data could be exposed. Just like any third-party service, AI platforms may have access to the information you share, and you should be aware of their privacy policies and terms of use.
Disable chat saving.
Many AI tools offer the option to save conversation history, but this can be risky if the content includes confidential or sensitive information. Disabling chat saving ensures that these interactions are not stored and potentially accessed by others. This simple step can protect both personal and client data from being archived and later exposed.
Monitor file access.
AI tools often require access to files or data to provide their services. It’s crucial to closely monitor and restrict who has access to these files. By limiting access to only authorised users, you reduce the risk of data breaches or accidental exposure of sensitive information.
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By adhering to these guidelines, you can benefit from AI tools while maintaining security and ethical standards. For any advice or further assistance, please get in touch with Sota.
Contact – Sota