Samsung has taken decisive action to prohibit the use of ChatGPT and other AI generative tools by its employees after a significant security breach. Following the recent online leak of top-secret data, including company source code, by workers using ChatGPT for various tasks, the South Korean tech giant has implemented strict measures to ensure a secure working environment.
Samsung’s primary concern is that data utilized by AI tools may be stored on external servers, making it challenging for the company to ascertain the extent of the leaked information, its storage location, security measures in place, and how to effectively delete it.
According to an internal memo obtained by Bloomberg, Samsung aims to review and enhance its security measures to facilitate the safe use of generative AI for productivity and efficiency improvement. However, until these security measures are fully implemented, the company has temporarily restricted the use of generative AI tools.
The ban on ChatGPT and similar tools applies to all Samsung employees using company-issued phones, tablets, and computers. Additionally, employees have been advised against uploading sensitive business information using personal devices. The memo emphasizes the importance of adhering to the security guidelines, warning that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.
This move comes in the wake of three separate incidents earlier this year in which Samsung employees leaked sensitive information using ChatGPT. The situation is particularly concerning because ChatGPT retains user input data to enhance its training, effectively putting internal trade secrets from Samsung into the possession of OpenAI, the organization behind the platform.
To address these security challenges, Samsung is reportedly developing an in-house AI service for exclusive internal use by its employees. However, this proprietary solution imposes limitations on prompts, allowing only up to 1024 bytes in size.
By implementing this ban and exploring the development of its own AI service, Samsung aims to regain control over data security and protect its valuable intellectual property from further compromise.
