Samsung bans internal ChatGPT user after source code leak

Korean technology giant Samsung has announced an internal ban on the use of AI chatbot ChatGPT, the company announced to staff via a memo.

The move comes after Samsung engineers used the bot to help them fix some errors in internal source code — which ended up inadvertently becoming a part of ChatGPT’s dataset.

The ban covers use on any company device, desktop or mobile, and follows an internal poll on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that found 65 per cent of those who responded see it as a security risk.

“Interest in generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT has been growing internally and externally,” the memo, seen by Bloomberg and other outlets, read. “While this interest focuses on the usefulness and efficiency of these platforms, there are also growing concerns about security risks presented by generative AI.”

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“We ask that you diligently adhere to our security guidelines, 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.”

The ban is a broad one on all generative-AI platforms, including those from Microsoft and Google. But the memo does go on to say that Samsung is looking for a solution to the problem.

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

Whether or not this means Samsung is working on its own internal AI tools remains up in the air.

David Hollingworth

David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.