Samsung Bans ChatGPT for Staff, Microsoft Hints Potential Alternative

Microsoft’s new offering is expected to keep sensitive organizational information away from its AI training models.

Anuj Mudaliar Assistant Editor - Tech, SWZD

May 4, 2023

Samsung Electronics Co. has banned its employees from using generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, after discovering uploads of sensitive code to the platform.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has announced plans to release a new version of ChatGPT, focused on data privacy for organizations concerned with protecting sensitive data.

Samsung has sent a memo barring employees from using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT on company-owned phones, tablets, and computers. The move came after the company discovered that its staff had uploaded sensitive source code to the OpenAI platform, generating data privacy concerns associated with artificial intelligence tools.

Samsung is concerned that data entered into platforms like ChatGPT cannot be retrieved or deleted, potentially disclosing intellectual property to unauthorized users. While generative AI tech has received widespread interest across industries, businesses must also consider the security risks associated with it.

Samsung is not the first major business to express concern against ChatGPT-like tools. Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Bank of America Corp have also restricted the use of ChatGPT for their workforce, partially or completely. The same can be said for many government bodies worldwide, including China, Italy, North Korea, and Cuba, among others, who have raised data privacy concerns.

See More: AI Pioneer Dr. Geoffrey Hinton Warns Against AI Haste, Quits Google

Microsoft Set to Release Private Version of ChatGPT To Alleviate Data Security Concerns

While OpenAI’s ChatGPT is not trusted by all, Microsoft has announced plans to introduce a new version of ChatGPT, which will be hosted on the company’s dedicated Azure servers. The new offering is aimed at organizations and businesses concerned about staying compliant with regulations and preventing data leaks. It will also allow users to keep their data away from ChatGPT’s training models.

Microsoft is leveraging its multi-billion dollar investment into OpenAI to incorporate the AI model into its products, in addition to the rights to sell OpenAI products to its customers. Now it is looking to bundle its cloud computing services with ChatGPT to create a new product for niche users.

The tech giant hopes to help users adopt ChatGPT who are concerned about compromising confidential data while using AI platforms. This service is expected to cost approximately ten times more than conventional ChatGPT services. It is expected to be released by the end of the quarter. It is also expected to compete against OpenAI’s own offering, which will not use user data for training AI models.

What steps has your company taken to prevent the leak of sensitive data on AI platforms? Let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We would love to hear from you!

Image source: Shutterstock

MORE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

artificial intelligence

Anuj Mudaliar

Assistant Editor - Tech, SWZD

opens a new window opens a new window

Anuj Mudaliar is a content development professional with a keen interest in emerging technologies, particularly advances in AI. As a tech editor for Spiceworks, Anuj covers many topics, including cloud, cybersecurity, emerging tech innovation, AI, and hardware. When not at work, he spends his time outdoors - trekking, camping, and stargazing. He is also interested in cooking and experiencing cuisine from around the world.