Samsung Electronics has taken the drastic decision to ban its workers from using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT and Google Bard. This decision comes following an internal memo the company reviewed highlighting an incident where one of the company’s engineers had accidentally leaked source code by uploading it to ChatGPT.
This incident prompted the Korean electronic major to bring into question the security risks that such platforms could bring to the company’s data. In order to ensure a heightened level of security, the company has put in place a policy that forbids the use of generative AI tools on company-owned PCs, tablets, phones, and networks.
However, consumers using personal smartphones, laptops, and other devices are still allowed to use these generative AI tools. Also, Samsung has made it clear that if any employee fails to abide by this policy, then disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, can be taken.
Being a South Korean multinational electronics company based out of Suwon, Samsung Electronics manufactures, distributes, and sells a variety of consumer electronics ranging from smartphones, televisions, refrigerators, and much more. The company also has its own software services, the most widely available being its Android skin, the Samsung Experience (formerly TouchWiz).
Joining this company in 1995, the current President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ Networks Business, Youngky Kim, is the key visionary and architect who is behind this ban on generative AI tools. As a technology leader, Kim has been at the forefront of many major innovationships and projects at Samsung Electronics. This decision to ban generative AI tools is one of his most recent and most impactful decisions.
