Samsung Bans Use of Generative AI

Samsung Tightens AI Usage After Data Leak Incident: Temporarily Blocking ChatGPT and Competing Services

Following the inadvertent leak of sensitive internal data to ChatGPT last month, Samsung is implementing a temporary ban on generative AI tools for company-owned devices. This includes computers, tablets, phones, and non-company-owned devices connected to internal networks. The ban applies to ChatGPT and similar services like Microsoft's Bing and Google's Bard.

Bloomberg first reported the upcoming ban, which only affects devices issued to Samsung employees, leaving consumer-owned devices unaffected. The exact implementation date remains unclear.

Samsung has not yet commented on the matter.

A memo from the company, obtained by Bloomberg, stated that the temporary ban would last until Samsung establishes secure measures for using generative AI to improve employee productivity and efficiency. The South Korean tech giant is reportedly developing its own AI tools for software development and translation.

ChatGPT, OpenAI's AI chatbot, has gained widespread popularity since its launch last November. However, concerns about data privacy, copyright violations, and response accuracy have arisen alongside its success. Samsung's recent data leak incident highlighted the difficulties in retrieving and deleting data from external servers.

OpenAI has been addressing these issues and has resumed ChatGPT services in Italy after introducing new privacy controls. Major banks, such as Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan, have also recently restricted employee access to ChatGPT.

Other South Korean tech giants like LG and SK Hynix are grappling with creating their own guidelines for using generative AI tools.