Wed, 12 Feb 2025

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 Law firm restricts AI after 'significant' staff use

The chief technology officer of Hill Dickinson warned of the use of AI tools.
A large UK law firm, Hill Dickinson, has restricted access to several popular artificial intelligence (AI) tools after detecting a significant increase in usage by its employees. The firm has expressed concerns that much of this usage was not compliant with their AI policy and may have posed risks to data security. In response, they will now require staff to request permission to use these tools through a formal process. Hill Dickinson's chief technology officer noted that there were over 32,000 hits to the chatbot ChatGPT, over 3,000 hits to the Chinese AI service DeepSeek, and almost 50,000 hits to Grammarly writing assistance tool in just two weeks. However, it is unclear how many employees used these tools on multiple occasions. A spokesperson from the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has criticized Hill Dickinson's decision, stating that organizations should not discourage staff from using AI but instead provide access to compliant and secure tools. The ICO argues that companies should prioritize educating their employees about safe and responsible use of AI rather than restricting its use altogether. Hill Dickinson claims to be embracing the potential benefits of AI while ensuring safe and proper use by their staff and clients. They have stated that their new policy will ensure continued access to these tools while maintaining data security and compliance with regulations. The move comes amidst a broader trend in the UK's legal sector, where many law firms are increasingly adopting AI technology to enhance their capabilities and services. However, there remains a concern about the lack of digital skills among solicitors in England and Wales, which could pose risks for both firms and consumers if not addressed properly.
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