Safe Use of AI
How Can I Stay Safe While I Use AI?
The use of AI services has seen a massive surge in the recent past, and the potential risks of AI use have increased proportionally. In order to stay secure in your use of AI, here are general principles that can be followed. For specific information on a particular AI service, see the AI Services Page.
AI Guidelines
Understand the Software
Know the limitations, security and privacy policies, and pricing of any AI software you use.
Use AI as a Tool
Acknowledge what AI can and can't do, using it to supplement, not replace, human work.
Prioritize Accuracy
Take time to understand how AI works, and practice with small projects. Avoid large-scale, customer-facing services.
Follow University Guidelines
Always refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, Data Use, Privacy, and Security Policy and CES Honor Code.
Seek Guidance
Ask your department CSR or OIT representative for clarification on AI usage. If you are unsure who your department CSR is, visit the "Who is my department CSR?" resource on the side of this page.
Stay Informed
Keep up to date with guidelines and updates communicated by campus leadership.
Don't Share Nonpublic Institutional Data
Don't share data with any AI service without a University approved business contract to ensure data privacy.
Don't Rely Solely on AI
Always cross-check AI-generated results to make sure they are accurate and appropriate.
Don't Expose Sensitive Data
Don't enter Nonpublic Institutional Data into an AI service. Nonpublic Institutional Data includes personally identifiable employee data, FERPA-covered student data, HIPAA-covered patient data, and may include research that is not yet publicly available. Refer to your institution's Data Use, Privacy, and Security Policy.
Don't Violate Privacy Regulations
Don't violate any privacy and policy agreements, including the sharing of Nonpublic Institutional Data. Nonpublic Institutional Data includes personally identifiable employee data, FERPA-covered student data, HIPAA-covered patient data, and may include research that is not yet publicly available. Refer to your institution's Data Use, Privacy, and Security Policy.