• According to reports, Samsung has banned the use of generative AI platforms like ChatGPT by its employees.
• Security concerns are the reason cited for the ban, with Samsung working to create a more secure environment.
• Samsung is also asking employees to not upload sensitive information to their work devices either.

Generative AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT are top of mind for many technology companies at the moment, but it might not be for the same reason.

This as Bloomberg (paywall) reports that Samsung is asking its employees to stop using generative AI platforms at the office, and on company-owned devices.

According to a company-wide memo, Samsung cited security concerns as the reason for the ban, particularly as it pertains to who or indeed what has access to any data or information uploaded to a generative AI platform.

While ChatGPT was not mentioned specifically, as The Verge points out, that platform has the ability to see conversations between users and the AI in order to improve its training. As such, use of it on company devices could indeed pose a security risk.

It is also worth pointing out that Samsung has not implemented a lifelong ban, as it is working to make its environment more secure for the future use of such AI-aided technologies.

“HQ is reviewing security measures to create a secure environment for safely using generative AI to enhance employees’ productivity and efficiency. However, until these measures are prepared, we are temporarily restricting the use of generative AI,” the aforementioned memo explained.

Said restrictions not only apply to the platforms themselves, which are accessible via a web browser, but also to any company-owned smartphone, notebook, tablet, or other piece of consumer electronics.

“We ask that you diligently adhere to our security guideline and failure to do so may result in a breach or compromise of company information resulting in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment,” it continued.

It therefore looks like the ban is more precautionary than what the Italian government has implemented against ChatGPT for example.

Perhaps then, there is scope to integrate generative AI functionality into future Samsung products? Bixby for example, could benefit from better functionality as it is behind other digital assistants in recent years.

Either way, with generative AI becoming more pervasive, it will be interesting to see whether other companies will call for a similar ban while working to improve the security of their environments.