Google warns employees to be prudent when using generative AI

Google joined fellow tech giant Apple in cautioning its employees on their use of generative AI tools, according to Reuters.

The news service reported that Alphabet, the company that owns Google, warned employees against including confidential information in queries to generative AI programs such as ChatGPT and Google-owned Bard.

Additionally, Google told its developers to stay away from using Bard-generated code, Reuters reported. (Google did not respond to HR Brew’s request for comment by the time of publication.)

The corporate world is busy navigating workplace policies around the tools. Some companies banned them all together, while others have restricted the types of information that can be shared when asking questions.

Samsung, JPMorgan Chase, Deutsche Bank, and Verizon have also issued bans or restrictions.

Leaks of proprietary and confidential information top the list of concerns. Google execs cautioned employees on this in accordance with its “safeguarding information” policy, according to Reuters. Tech companies also worry their developers could be uploading proprietary code during training that the AI could then reproduce, “creating a leak risk.”

On Tuesday, the Biden administration met with business leaders and AI experts as part of the White House’s effort to protect users’ privacy. HR Brew reported this month that the European Union had approved new regulations governing the nascent tech.

HR pros need to keep up with external policy changes in addition to workplace best practices when considering how to navigate generative AI as it continues to proliferate in the business world.

Update 06/23/22: Google declined to comment on the record when asked about the Reuters report.