Lack of AI guidelines puts businesses, customer privacy at risk, study warns

80% of staff want AI guidelines, training in the workplace.

Lack of guidelines for the use of generative AI in the workplace might put businesses at risk and even compromise sensitive company information, according to a new survey by Veritas Technologies.

More than 80% of office workers in Singapore want their employers to lay out guidelines, form policies, and provide training in the use of generative AI. Their top reasons include the need to utilise the tools properly (70%), mitigate risks (51%) as well as create a level playing field in the workplace (30%). 

Currently, only 43% of employers have directions regarding the use of AI in their operations.

The survey showed 58% of the workers admitted to inputting sensitive information like customer details, employee information and company financials into generative AI tools. Veritas said the majority does not recognise that such a move might be considered a breach of data privacy and could risk unwanted information leaks.

Within the workplace, the report revealed 56% of employees believe those who utilise generative AI have an “unfair advantage” over their co-workers who do not use them. Nearly half believe employees using AI should be required to teach their co-workers to level the playing field.

“Without establishing any proper guidelines on the use of generative AI, organisations could face regulatory compliance violations. To enjoy the benefits without increasing risk, it is critical for organisations to develop, implement and clearly communicate guidelines and policies on the appropriate use of generative AI, along with the right data compliance and governance tools in place for ongoing enforcement,” said Andy Ng, Vice President and Managing Director for Asia South and Pacific region at Veritas.

The survey polled 11,500 office workers across 11 countries globally, including 500 workers in Singapore.