Employees have been ordered by Apple to not use ChatGPT and other external AI tools as it develops its own similar technology and concerns over the leak of confidential data. Apple joins other companies like JPMorgan Chase, Verizon, and Amazon.
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NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: An Apple employee helps a customers shop for the new iPhone 11 at Apple's flagship 5th Avenue store on September 20, 2019 in New York City. Apple's new iPhone 11 goes on sale today at the grand re-opening of the 5th Avenue store.
Restricting Apple Employees from Using AI Tools
Apple has restricted its employees from using ChatGPT and other external artificial intelligence tools. According to a report from Reuters, employees using these tools could lead to leaking confidential data, hence why the company opts to develop its own similar technology and ordered a ban on the usage of external models.
ChatGPT, created by OpenAI and backed by Microsoft, is a chatbot that has the ability to answer questions, write essays, and perform other tasks in human-like ways. Aside from this, employees were told to not use Microsoft GitHub's Copilot which automates the writing of software code.
In order for these tools to enable continued improvements, the data sent by the users will be obtained by the developer. Through this process, an organization can unintentionally share proprietary or confidential information. Apple is known for its security measures that guard information about its future products and consumer data.
Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook also recognized how artificial intelligence has huge potential in the tech industry, which makes sense if the company develops its own AI tool. While he remains interested in the technology, Cook cautioned to be thoughtful in approaching it.
Other Companies Restricting AI Tools Usage
Wall Street Journal reported that a number of companies and organizations have begun using it for everything, from writing emails and marketing materials to coding software. Now that they saw the risk of using the models in the workplace, several companies implemented restrictions that Apple followed.
Among the companies that barred their employees from using external AI tools are JPMorgan Chase and Verizon. Amazon urged its engineers to use its own internal AI tool rather than using ChatGPT for coding assistance.
Samsung also ordered a ban on the usage of different AI tools in the workplace as per the company's newest policy after discovering employees accidentally leaking sensitive data by uploading a code to ChatGPT.
As per the company, "While this interest focuses on the usefulness and efficiency of these platforms, there are also growing concerns about security risks presented by generative AI."
Also Read: Apple Employees Express Skepticism on Launching Its Mixed-Reality Headset
New York City public schools also banned its usage on school networks and devices last January over concerns about safety and accuracy. NYC Department of Education Deputy Press Secretary Jenna Lyle even stated that the tool does not help students to build critical thinking skills as the tool rather helps them to easily cheat in school activities.
Related Article: Apple CEO Tim Cook Addresses Growth of AI, Potentially Coming to More Products
