Tue, 04 Feb 2025

Why employees smuggle AI into work

Many staff are using AI at work without the permission of their employers.

* Half of all knowledge workers in a survey by Software AG use personal AI tools without permission from their IT division.
* Some employees prefer to use alternative AI tools that aren't offered by their company, while others find the approval process too lengthy.
* A software engineer at a financial services technology company uses Cursor instead of GitHub Copilot provided by his company, saying it's "easier than risking a lengthy approvals process".
* External AI tools are banned at some companies, but employees still use them to increase productivity and gain new insights. Shadow AI: the unauthorized use of AI applications
* Harmonic Security tracks over 10,000 AI apps and has seen more than 5,000 in use, including custom versions of ChatGPT.
* Companies may be concerned about their trade secrets being exposed by AI tools, but experts say it's unlikely.
* Shadow AI comes with risks, such as the user's information becoming part of the AI tool and potentially being output to other users. Companies struggle to keep up with AI adoption
* Many companies are struggling to keep up with the rapid development of new AI tools and their employees' use of unauthorized applications.
* Trimble provides an internal AI tool called Trimble Assistant, but also encourages employees to explore new AI models and applications online.
* Experts say that instead of trying to shut down shadow AI, companies should try to understand what employees are using and why, and figure out how to manage it. Impact on productivity and business
* Unauthorized use of AI tools can increase productivity and help employees do their jobs more efficiently.
* Companies may not be aware of the extent to which their employees are using unauthorized AI tools.
* Experts say that companies need to be flexible in their choice of AI tools and willing to adapt as new technologies emerge.
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