Bosses or workers, who is AI's real pal?

When ChatGPT made that grand entry into our small lives last November, it did not take much time for the smart critter to become a full-blown rage. Employers thought of using it soon to run cheap, efficient galley ships. Employees, on their part, thought of using it soon to row less vigorously to make the same galley ship cut efficiently through water. By January, the shiny new AI toy reached 100 million monthly active users, making it the world's fastest-growing consumer application. Now, a change of direction in the wind has been detected.

According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, many workers in the US are turning to AI tools to do their day-to-day work, including drafting emails, summarising huge documents and doing preliminary research. This 'proactive' use of technology makes sense - but it has alarmed bosses, many of whom see AI as their friend, not of their minions. Now, it turns out that companies are looking for ways to stop employees from using AI tools since human reviewers from other companies may read any of the generated chats, creating a potential risk for proprietary information. So, bosses, go back to the meeting room. You now gotta figure out how to create a secure environment for generative AI usage that enhances productivity and efficiency but cuts down on other risks. Talk about employee revenge with a little help from friends.