The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly in many workplaces and organizations. It can help people complete tasks more quickly, improve decision-making, and improve productivity. Still, every organization should have policies to reflect and manage the risks associated with these new technologies. Whether you’re in the workplace, volunteer for a community organization, or just need to stay educated about evolving technologies as a home user, you should familiarize yourself with Shadow AI.
Shadow AI is the unsanctioned use of any Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool or application by employees, volunteers, or end users without the formal approval or oversight by an IT team. This may include using generative AI such as ChatGPT and others that automate tasks and data analysis. Although they may help employees and enhance productivity, if IT teams are unaware of these apps being used, employees can unknowingly expose the organization to significant risks concerning data security, compliance and the company’s reputation. For example, a volunteer may paste sensitive donor list or beneficiary information using AI to create a spreadsheet. This may expose Personally Identifiable Information (PII) that can be used by a competitor or by a cybercriminal. In addition, unvetted tools may breach local privacy laws or trust agreements.
It’s not about banning the tech: it’s about setting smart boundaries. Empower your company or organization with clear guidelines on what can (and can't) be shared with AI tools. Keeping your community's trust starts with protecting their data while still embracing innovation.
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