Workplace Dilemma: Whether Or Not To Use Personal Gen-AI In Office

A recent ruling by a German labor court has sparked discussion on a previously low-key issue: Should employers permit employees to utilize their personal AI tools while at work?

Mar 07, 2024

A recent Hamburg Labour Court ruling has stirred the pot in the world of work, raising questions about the use of personal generative AI (gen-AI) tools like ChatGPT. The court's decision clarifies that works councils, representative bodies for employees in certain European countries, do not have co-determination rights when employees utilize these tools through their own private accounts, which are inaccessible to employers. (To read the news report, scroll down this newsletter.)

This ruling signifies two key points:

Personal use, limited control: Employers cannot dictate or monitor the use of personal Gen-AI tools accessed through private accounts. This autonomy empowers employees to leverage these tools for personal productivity or skill enhancement outside the scope of employer-sanctioned software.
Information and Consultation: While direct control over personal Gen-AI usage is beyond their reach, works councils still retain the right to be informed and consulted on the implementation of any company-wide AI systems. This ensures transparency and fosters discussion about potential implications for the workforce.

However, the legal landscape surrounding personal gen-AI tools remains uncertain and likely to evolve.

Several issues warrant further exploration:

Data security and privacy: When employees use personal gen-AI tools, concerns arise regarding the potential leakage of sensitive company data inadvertently processed through these tools. Clear guidelines and employee education are crucial to address this.
Intellectual property: Questions linger regarding the ownership of intellectual property generated by personal gen-AI tools, especially when used for work-related tasks. Establishing clear policies becomes essential to prevent potential conflicts.
Ethical considerations: The use of personal gen-AI tools raises ethical concerns like bias amplification or manipulation of content. Organizations need to address these concerns proactively through employee training and fostering a responsible AI culture.

Undoubtedly, the Hamburg Labour Court ruling marks a significant step towards understanding the legal implications of personal gen-AI tools at work. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexities surrounding data security, ownership, and ethical considerations. As these tools continue to evolve, navigating their use responsibly through open communication, clear policies, and ongoing discussions will be paramount for both employers and employees.

Now, before going ahead, let’s look at last week’s AI Job Indicator.

AI seemed to have lost some ground to Man in the week gone by vis-a-vis jobs.

NEW: You can search this newsletter’s website using our AI-powered chatbot. Search for answers to questions on AI and employment. Go ahead. Try it!

In Today’s Newsletter:

JPMorgan's AI Cashflow Model Has Potential To Reduce Manual Workload By 90%
AI Already Impacting 20% of Employees in Mid- to Large-Sized Korean Corporations
Singapore Budget to Offer Subsidies for AI Model Learning to Individuals Above 40
HP Study Highlights AI's Potential to Alleviate Workplace Burnout
Advancement of Gen-AI Leading to Major Job Cuts
AI Job Market Thrives Amid Tech Sector Cuts
AI's Impact on Maritime Jobs
German Labor Court’s Important Ruling on Use of Gen-AI Tools at Work
AI Revolution in the Workforce: Navigating the Shift with Essential Skills
POTUS Issues Order to Protect Sensitive Data of Americans
Hundreds of AI Researchers Sign Petition
Google Intensifies Efforts to Combat Spam and Enhance AI in Search Results
Competition Commission of India Set to Launch Market Study on AI
Why Small Businesses Are Investing in AI?
Ethics and AI
Growing Risk of 'Skill Erosion' Looms as AI Automation Advances
Here Come The First Of The AI Worms
New AI Research Hub At Oxford
An AI Image Gen Tool From South Korea
….plus TopPicks, Events, and more…..

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Are We Letting AI (Like Other Tech) to Erode Our Skills?

Technology is a double-edged sword. While AI and automation streamline our lives, a hidden danger lurks: skill erosion. Imagine a pilot relying solely on autopilot, missing crucial signs before a crash. Or a financial firm trusting AI algorithms that generate inaccurate reports, leading to disastrous decisions. These, unfortunately, aren't fictional scenarios.

Overreliance on technology can dull our own expertise. We become accustomed to letting machines handle complex tasks, forgetting the skills that once came naturally. This isn't to demonize AI; it's a powerful tool. But the key is using it wisely.

Here's how we can navigate this digital landscape without sacrificing our own abilities:

Mind the Automation: Be aware of the tasks technology handles for you. Don't become a passive observer; understand the process behind it.
Question the Machine: Don't take AI outputs as gospel. Critically analyze results, identify potential biases, and double-check for errors.
Sharpen Your Saw: Don't let automation atrophy your skills. Practice critical thinking, problem-solving, and independent analysis.

Now, the million-dollar question: which skills should we surrender to automation? The answer is complex. Repetitive tasks or number crunching are prime candidates. But human judgment, creativity, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen situations are irreplaceable.

The rise of AI is inevitable, and that's a positive development. But let's view it as a collaborator, not a competitor. By staying mindful of its limitations and actively cultivating our own skills, we can harness the power of AI while safeguarding our human potential. After all, the most effective partnership combines the strengths of both – the ingenuity of the human mind and the unmatched efficiency of AI.

What do you have to say about this? Write in the “Comments” section.

JPMorgan's AI Cashflow Model Has Potential To Reduce Manual Workload By 90%

JPMorgan Chase & Co. has developed a cashflow management tool using AI, reducing manual work for corporate clients by almost 90%. With around 2,500 clients currently using the tool for free, the bank is considering charging for the service in the future.

Although AI is being leveraged to increase productivity, decisions regarding managing liquidity still depend on human judgment. JPMorgan's Chief Executive Officer aims to generate $1.5 billion in "business value" through AI by 2023. The tool has significantly reduced manual work but ultimately, human input remains crucial in decision-making.

Source: bnnbloomberg.ca

AI Already Impacting 20% of Employees in Mid- to Large-Sized Korean Corporations

A new study in South Korea has found that 19.1% of employees at companies with 50 or more employees are already affected by AI. While AI hasn't changed overall employment levels or wages, it's predicted to shift the composition of jobs, leading to more demand for professional roles and fewer middle-skill positions.

The study suggests that as AI becomes more prevalent, there will be a greater need for specialist professions and reduced demand for jobs requiring intermediate skills. It also highlights the potential mismatch between labor supply and demand, calling for adjustments in job roles and stronger social safety networks.

Source: english.hani.co.kr

Singapore Budget to Offer Subsidies for AI Model Learning to Individuals Above 40

The Singaporean Government's 2024 budget has introduced a subsidy program to support individuals over 40 in acquiring skills and knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) models.

This initiative aims to future-proof the workforce, boost economic resilience, and foster a culture of lifelong learning. It is expected to open up new job opportunities, transform the job market, and make the workforce more adaptable to the demands of a digital economy. While there are challenges in learning AI models, the subsidy represents a forward-thinking approach to preparing citizens for the future of work and serves as a blueprint for other nations.

Source: yourstory.com

HP Study Highlights AI's Potential to Alleviate Workplace Burnout

In a recent study conducted by HP Inc., findings suggest that artificial intelligence could be the key to combating workplace burnout and stress. The HP Work Relationship Index surveyed over 15,000 respondents from various industries and countries, including India, revealing a global decline in workplace morale.

The study indicates that only 27% of knowledge workers feel they have a healthy relationship with their work, emphasizing the need for solutions to improve employee engagement and motivation. Interestingly, more than half of the workers surveyed believe AI will create new opportunities, while 75% of business leaders predict AI will simplify jobs.

As AI continues to evolve, it presents an opportunity to transform work dynamics, potentially leading to a more positive and productive environment. However, the study also highlights the necessity for proper AI training, with a significant portion of knowledge workers unsure of when to utilize AI at work.

The findings were released ahead of the HP Amplify Partner Conference in Las Vegas, shedding light on the growing perspective that AI can enhance, rather than replace, human workers. The report concludes that AI is expected to automate routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on more knowledge-oriented activities.

Source: indianexpress.com

Advancement of Gen-AI Leading to Major Job Cuts

The rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence is leading to significant job cuts in various industries, particularly affecting white-collar workers.

According to this article, companies like Alphabet, Amazon, and SAP are downsizing their workforce due to AI-driven efficiencies and task automation. AI's ability to create content and perform complex tasks is reducing the demand for roles such as financial analysts, lawyers, software developers, and human-resource experts. The trend is expected to continue, with a quarter of CEOs anticipating job cuts due to AI growth by 2024.

Source: gfmag.com

AI Job Market Thrives Amid Tech Sector Cuts

In a surprising twist to the tech industry's recent trend of layoffs and cost-cutting measures, the demand for AI professionals in the US is on the rise. Companies across the tech sector and beyond are actively seeking AI talent, offering competitive salaries to secure the best in the field.

The surge in AI job listings contrasts sharply with the overall decline in tech job postings, highlighting a resilient market for AI roles. This shift underscores the increasing importance of AI in driving efficiency and innovation across various industries.

As firms pivot towards optimizing operations post-pandemic, AI specialists are becoming invaluable assets in navigating the new technological landscape. The growing emphasis on AI is a clear indicator of its pivotal role in shaping the future of technology.

AI job postings soared to more than 10,400 in January 2024, marking a significant 13.5% increase from January 2023 and a notable 42% surge from December 2022. This data, sourced from the University of Maryland and LinkUp's AI job tracker, highlights California as the leading state in the US with the highest share of AI job postings at 21.5%.

While total new IT job postings saw a substantial decline to over 90,000 in January, representing a notable 31% decrease from December 2022, the AI sector appears to remain robust.

Source: aimaps.ai

Source: wsj.com

AI's Impact on Maritime Jobs

The maritime industry is on the cusp of a transformation with the advent of gen-AI and large language models. Experts in maritime technology have weighed in, suggesting that AI should not be viewed as a job replacement threat but rather as an enabler for shipping professionals. The technology is expected to automate repetitive tasks, allowing maritime workers to concentrate on decision-making and other significant aspects of their roles.

The integration of AI in shipping is anticipated to empower professionals, enhancing efficiency and reshaping job roles to focus on critical tasks. This shift is seen as a positive development in an industry that stands to benefit greatly from AI's capabilities.

Source: tradewindsnews.com

German Labor Court’s Important Ruling on Use of Gen-AI Tools at Work

The Hamburg Labour Court ruled that works councils do not have co-determination rights when employees use their own private web-based accounts to access generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, without the employer having access to the accounts.

The use of gen-AI tools through personal, browser-based accounts does not trigger works councils' rights of co-determination regarding the organization of the company, monitoring of employee behavior, or regulations on accident prevention and health protection.

While works councils have the right to be informed and consulted about the proposed use of AI systems, they cannot demand a works agreement as a condition or block the employer's decision on the use of AI systems.

The article discusses the legal implications of using gen-AI tools like ChatGPT in the workplace, particularly regarding the employer's obligations to consult with works councils.

Source: employmentlawworldwideview.com

AI Revolution in the Workforce: Navigating the Shift with Essential Skills

In a recent report by McKinsey, the emergence of gen-AI, particularly since the advent of OpenAI's ChatGPT, has been identified as a transformative force in the job market. This technology, capable of generating content such as images and text, is not only a topic of interest but is actively reshaping the workforce.

This report talks of how employees can stay ahead in the race: by upskilling or reskilling themselves. It refers to a study by Oliver Wyman who conducts monthly surveys of over 200,000 people across 20 countries to gather data about attitudes surrounding gen-AI and other trends.

The study found that employers were prioritizing certain skill sets when it comes to keeping their workers up to date.

Here are five skills to help employees stay relevant in the changing landscape:

Analytical thinking
Creative thinking
Leadership and social influence
AI and big data
Curiosity and lifelong learning

Source: cnbc.com

POTUS Issues Order to Protect Sensitive Data of Americans

President Biden has issued an Executive Order to protect Americans' sensitive personal data from exploitation by foreign countries. The order aims to prevent the large-scale transfer of personal data to countries of concern and establish safeguards against activities that could give these countries access to sensitive information.

The focus is on protecting genomic data, biometric data, personal health data, geolocation data, financial data, and certain types of personally identifiable information. The order also directs various government departments to work together to set high security standards and prevent access to Americans' data through commercial means.

It emphasizes the importance of protecting individuals' privacy while maintaining international relationships. The President has also called for action from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and urged Congress to pass comprehensive privacy legislation, especially to safeguard the data of children.

Source: whitehouse.gov

Hundreds of AI Researchers Sign Petition, Call for Legal and Technical Protections for Independent Evaluation of AI Models

A group of AI researchers and advocates have released an open letter urging AI companies to provide legal and technical safeguards for external researchers who conduct safety and trustworthiness evaluations of their AI models.

The letter, which has been signed by hundreds of experts across disciplines, argues that independent evaluation of AI models is crucial for uncovering vulnerabilities and ensuring accountability, especially for generative models that are widely used and pose acute risks.

The letter proposes two voluntary commitments from AI companies: a legal safe harbor, which protects good-faith, public-interest research from legal liability, and a technical safe harbor, which protects such research from account termination or other technical enforcement measures. Both safe harbors are contingent on researchers following well-established security vulnerability disclosure practices and avoiding any illegal or harmful actions.

The letter is accompanied by a paper that discusses the existing challenges and gaps in the policies of leading AI companies, such as OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Meta, and how a more equitable, transparent, and accountable researcher ecosystem could be developed. The paper also provides examples of independent red-teaming research that has exposed various flaws and risks in AI models, such as bias, misuse, and copyright.

If you are interested in signing the letter, here's the link:

https://sites.mit.edu/ai-safe-harbor/

Google Intensifies Efforts to Combat Spam and Enhance AI in Search Results

Google is implementing changes to its search ranking systems to promote high-quality content and combat manipulative tactics. The company aims to downrank content that exists solely to summarize other material, combat spammy behavior such as mass production of low-quality articles and site reputation abuse, and tackle the issue of expired domain abuse.

Google's VP of search, Pandu Nayak, emphasizes the importance of creating a healthy, high-quality web ecosystem and signals a crackdown on spam. However, the challenge of AI-generated content and evolving tactics to manipulate search results remains. Google's focus is shifting towards prioritizing human-driven, substantive content over clickbait.

Source: theverge.com

Competition Commission of India Set to Launch Market Study on AI

In a recent announcement made at the 9th conference on Economics of Competition Law, Ravneet Kaur, head of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), revealed plans to conduct a market study on artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evolving AI landscape and its various applications within Indian markets.

Ravneet emphasized the significance of this study, stating that it will provide crucial insights that could inform the commission's strategies aimed at fostering innovation and ensuring fair competition. The study will delve into diverse AI use cases across different sectors, offering valuable intelligence to shape policies conducive to a competitive and innovative market environment.

The CCI's decision to initiate this market study underscores the growing recognition of AI's impact on business dynamics and consumer welfare. By proactively investigating AI's evolving role in India's markets, the commission seeks to stay abreast of technological advancements and ensure regulatory frameworks remain adaptive and effective.

Source: telegraphindia.com

Why Small Businesses Are Investing in AI?

This article discusses how small businesses are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence software and services to improve their operations and efficiency. Experts point out that AI can assist with data integration, freeing up resources and time for other tasks. Examples of AI tools being used include scheduling assistants, note-taking tools, and language support tools.

AI is also playing a significant role in the retail sector, particularly in tasks like sales forecasting and customer experience enhancement. New AI tools designed specifically for small businesses have emerged, such as Salesforce's Einstein Copilot and GoDaddy's Airo. However, small businesses are advised to consider factors like security, support, and integration when evaluating AI solutions, and to understand the potential risks associated with imperfect AI implementation.

Source: pymnts.com

Ethics and AI

Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into various aspects of life, including smartphones, education, and careers. It serves as a foundation for many industries, transforming how we work and interact. While AI has positively impacted fields like science and medicine, its use in creative arts has sparked controversy. Creative communities have expressed concerns over AI-generated art and music, fearing it undermines human creativity.

This article discusses the potential of AI to enhance creative tools when used collaboratively, citing an example from game design education. However, ethical issues arise when AI replaces human artists, leading to job losses. Despite this, the uniqueness of human art, with its inherent emotion and experience, cannot be replicated by AI.

The historical parallel with photography suggests that human art will persist alongside technological advancements. Embracing AI as a tool, rather than opposing it, is advised for future-proofing careers in creative industries. Rider University has even incorporated AI into its game design curriculum, reflecting this approach. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of adapting to AI as an integral part of the industry.

Source: theridernews.com

Growing Risk of 'Skill Erosion' Looms as AI Automation Advances

Over-reliance on automated systems can lead to skill erosion and a loss of expertise, as seen in the case of the accounting company's dependence on software.

To prevent skill erosion, individuals using AI and automated systems should stay mindful of the system's actions, keep their competence updated, and critically assess the results.

While AI offers efficiency gains, organizations must be aware of the potential long-term side effects, such as skill erosion, and carefully balance short-term benefits with long-term expertise preservation.

This article discusses the risk of skill erosion due to overreliance on technology, citing examples such as a plane crash and erroneous financial reports. The author emphasizes the need to maintain expertise despite automation, providing tips like staying mindful of automated systems and critically assessing their results. The text also raises the question of which skills should be relinquished to automation and emphasizes the importance of being aware of the risks while benefiting from AI technology.

Source: theconversation.com

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Save Your Data, Here Come The First Of The AI Worms

This is a first, and if you were to ask me, was waiting to happen in the post gen-AI era. A group of researchers has created what they claim is the first of generative AI worms, which can spread through AI ecosystems, potentially stealing data and deploying malware.

The AI worm called "Morris II" exploits vulnerabilities in language models and can spread through email systems, posing a significant security threat. The researchers have shared their findings with Google and OpenAI, who are working on making their systems more resilient. The AI worm was created by a group of security researchers, including Ben Nassi from Cornell Tech, Stav Cohen from Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, and Ron Bitton from Intuit.

Okay, so imagine a sneaky computer program called Morris II. Its job is to make the gen-AI program copy harmful stuff and spread it around to other gen-AI programs. It tricks the gen-AI program into copying bad things and making more of them, and then those bad things spread to other GenAI programs. So basically, Morris II is like a bad virus for GenAI, making it copy and spread bad stuff instead of good stuff.

Apparently, developers need to take these risks seriously and implement proper security measures to safeguard against such attacks. The research anticipates the potential appearance of gen-AI worms in the wild in the next few years, and recommends the use of traditional security approaches and human oversight to mitigate these risks.

The AI worms exploit vulnerabilities in language models and can spread through email systems, posing a significant security threat.

The researchers have shared their findings with Google and OpenAI, who are working on making their systems more resilient. It is emphasized that developers need to take these risks seriously and implement proper security measures to safeguard against such attacks. The research anticipates the potential appearance of generative AI worms in the wild in the next few years, and recommends the use of traditional security approaches and human oversight to mitigate these risks.

Source: wired.com

New AI Research Hub At Oxford

The University of Oxford has launched an AI research hub led by Professor Michael Bronstein. The hub aims to use rigorous mathematical principles to advance AI and machine learning systems. It will bring together researchers from various departments and institutions to address fundamental questions in AI, develop new AI models, and build self-adaptive AI systems. The research program will also train PhD students and collaborate with industry partners. The initiative is supported by UKRI and is expected to drive revolutionary AI innovations in various sectors.

Source: indiaeducationdiary.in

An AI Image Gen Tool From South Korea

South Korean scientists have developed "KOALA," an AI image generation tool with only 700 million parameters, making high-speed image creation possible without expensive hardware.

KOALA's efficiency and accessibility mark a significant advancement in democratizing AI technology for artists, enthusiasts, and small businesses.

The emergence of KOALA represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of AI-driven image generation, paving the way for expanded digital creativity and innovation.

Source: neatprompts.com

…where every week, I shortlist interesting articles, posts, podcasts, and videos on AI.

Why Do AI Models Behave the Way They Do? Well, Nobody Knows the Answer

Deep learning, despite its success, still poses a major scientific puzzle as researchers struggle to understand how and why it works.

In this write-up, the authors discuss the behavior of large language models, such as sudden learning breakthroughs, defies conventional mathematical expectations, highlighting the enigmatic nature of deep learning.

Unraveling the mysteries of deep learning is not only crucial for advancing future technology, but also for mitigating its potential risks, according to the authors.

It presents examples of unexpected behavior in AI models and emphasizes the need to unravel the mysteries behind their functioning. The article also invites reader questions about AI and highlights related stories on AI's capabilities and developments.

An interesting read.

The Link

Launch of AI Hub By Microsoft

Tank Stream Labs and Microsoft are launching their AI Hub powered by Microsoft, where the future of artificial intelligence will be explored. The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 21, at the Microsoft Reactor event space. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an engaging panel discussion on the future of AI.

This exclusive event will feature the unveiling of the AI Hub powered by Microsoft, along with discussions on the latest advancements, trends, and opportunities in AI. Industry experts and thought leaders will share their insights and perspectives on the transformative potential of AI technology during the panel discussion at the Microsoft Reactor Sydney.