Source: NJBIA

NJBIA, the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, highlights a concerning trend revealed by a new survey: a significant portion of the workforce is prepared to use artificial intelligence tools even if it means violating their employer's explicit policies. The research, conducted by resume.io with 1,250 U.S. workers, found that 52% of employees would use AI technologies despite company prohibitions. This widespread willingness to circumvent rules points to a growing reliance on AI for enhancing productivity and efficiency in daily tasks, such as drafting emails, conducting research, and generating reports. The findings expose a critical disconnect between corporate governance and the practical realities of modern work, where employees perceive AI as an indispensable tool.

This phenomenon of "Shadow AI" introduces substantial risks for businesses. When employees use unauthorized AI platforms, they may inadvertently expose sensitive company data, confidential client information, or proprietary intellectual property to third-party systems with inadequate security protocols. This creates significant vulnerabilities related to data privacy breaches and non-compliance with regulations. The article stresses the urgent need for companies to move beyond simple prohibition and develop comprehensive and realistic AI usage policies. These policies should be coupled with robust employee training programs that educate staff on the potential risks and establish clear guidelines for the safe and ethical use of approved AI tools, thereby balancing the drive for innovation with the imperative of corporate security and compliance.