You’re working on a key project that requires a novel approach to a client’s challenge. You’re a subject matter expert so you know all the different approaches to the issue at hand, but you need the novel approach to show the client something innovative. You’ve heard of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and think it might be that difference maker. You copy and paste your own organization’s and client’s proprietary data assuming ChatGPT is a benign tool that just spits out responses. But is that sensitive data that you just pasted safe? Is it at risk?

As AI-powered language models such as ChatGPT continue to revolutionize the way organizations operate, it is essential to understand the risks they pose to sensitive data. By analyzing and processing vast amounts of textual input, ChatGPT can inadvertently collect and store sensitive information provided by users. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the inherent risks associated with using ChatGPT in organizations and explore how to protect the sensitive information entered into these AI platforms.

The Risks of ChatGPT to Organizations

1. Data Retention and Privacy Concerns

By design, ChatGPT processes and retains user inputs to improve its performance. While OpenAI has implemented measures to ensure data privacy, there is still a risk of sensitive information being stored on their servers. As a result, organizations using ChatGPT must be vigilant about the information they share with the AI system and consider the potential privacy implications.

2. Misuse of Data

Another concern is the potential misuse of sensitive information gathered by ChatGPT. Although OpenAI’s Terms of Use prohibit using their services to collect, store, or process sensitive data without consent, there is always a risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Consequently, organizations must be cautious about relying on ChatGPT to handle sensitive data and ensure they have robust security measures in place.

3. Compliance with Data Protection Regulations

Organizations must adhere to various data protection regulations such as the GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. Using ChatGPT for tasks involving sensitive information may expose organizations to regulatory risks if they fail to comply with these data protection laws. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to understand their legal obligations and implement appropriate measures to ensure compliance when using AI services like ChatGPT.

How to Protect Sensitive Information

1. Awareness and Training

The first line of defense in protecting sensitive information is raising awareness among employees. It is essential to educate users about the risks of sharing sensitive information with ChatGPT and to provide guidelines on how to use the platform safely and responsibly.

2. Data Minimization

Organizations should minimize the amount of sensitive information entered into ChatGPT. By limiting the exposure of sensitive data, organizations can reduce the risk of privacy breaches and potential misuse. It is crucial to establish policies that determine the acceptable use of AI platforms and the types of data that can be shared with them.

3. Regularly Delete Data from ChatGPT

OpenAI allows users to delete their data from ChatGPT’s system, which can help organizations maintain control over the information they share. By following the instructions provided in this Wired article, users can request the deletion of their data from ChatGPT:

4. Monitor and Audit AI Usage

Organizations should implement monitoring and auditing procedures to track and analyze how employees interact with AI platforms like ChatGPT. By regularly assessing AI usage, organizations can identify potential risks and vulnerabilities, ensuring that sensitive information is adequately protected.

ChatGPT and other AI platforms offer significant benefits to organizations, but they also introduce potential risks to sensitive information. Do not assume benign intent from any of these generative AI services. By understanding the inherent risks and implementing appropriate measures to protect sensitive data, organizations can continue to enjoy the advantages of AI while minimizing their exposure to data privacy and security threats.