Amazon has recently issued a cautionary notice to its employees, advising them against the use of third-party generative AI tools like ChatGPT for work-related purposes. This advisory comes after several internal memos, obtained by Business Insider, revealed the company’s stance on the matter.
In a recent email to employees, Amazon emphasized the importance of safeguarding confidential information, stating, “While we may find ourselves using GenAl tools, especially when it seems to make life easier, we should be sure not to use it for confidential Amazon work.” The company explicitly warned against sharing any confidential Amazon, customer, or employee data while using third-party generative AI tools.
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Further details from Amazon’s internal third-party generative AI use and interaction policy highlight potential risks associated with such tools. According to the policy, companies offering generative AI services may assert ownership or licensing rights over any content inputted by employees. This includes a wide range of outputs such as emails, internal documentation, and pre-launch materials, which could be accessed, reviewed, and distributed by the owners of the generative AI.
Amazon’s cautious approach aligns with similar measures taken by other tech giants like Samsung and Apple, who have also restricted the use of generative AI tools internally. Notably, these restrictions are partly influenced by concerns regarding ownership rights, particularly in light of Microsoft’s significant investment in OpenAI, the company behind tools like ChatGPT. Microsoft’s involvement raises the possibility that they could claim rights to the results generated by such models.
Even Microsoft, despite its investment in OpenAI, temporarily revoked access to in-house generative AI tools for its employees. This underscores the complex dynamics and concerns surrounding the use of third-party AI tools within corporate settings.
Amazon’s spokesperson, Adam Montgomery, reassured that the company has long been engaged in the development of generative AI and large-scale machine learning models. He emphasized that employees utilize these technologies daily, but the company has implemented safeguards to ensure compliance with policies governing confidential information and security.
Amazon’s cautionary notice underscores the company’s commitment to protecting sensitive data and maintaining control over proprietary information in the era of rapidly advancing AI technologies.
Published By: Ankita Chakravarti Published On: Feb 25, 2024
Source: www.indiatoday.in
