As generative AI continues to gain traction, its users have turned into fraudsters, with 64% claiming AI work as theirs, according to a Salesforce survey.
The survey on the Generative AI Snapshot Research Series ‘The Promises and Pitfalls of AI at Work’ further establishes that 41% of workers inflate their generative AI skills, overstating them to secure job opportunities. The survey included over 14,000 workers across 14 countries.
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Ethically questionable
The Salesforce survey shows that over a quarter of the surveyed employees are using generative AI without formal approval from their employers, raising ethical questions.
This also includes a lack of formal training or guidance from employers on the use of the technology, which has taken the world by storm following the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT a year ago.
This comes as employees are increasingly embracing technology and realizing how useful it is in optimizing performance and advancing their careers.
“With an additional 32% of the workers expected to start using generative AI at work soon, it’s clear that the penetration of the technology will continue with or without oversight,” reads part of the survey report.
However, the lack of guidance from employers creates scope for the creation of trusted, clear guidelines to ensure the technology is used responsibly.
Unapproved tools
As AI usage continues to increase, workers also recognize the role of generative AI in their jobs. But this is also leading to an increase in unapproved systems and tools. An article by The Economic Times indicates that workers are also aware of the ethical concerns associated with the use of generative AI.
But following ethics means turning to company-approved systems and tools as provided by their employers.
The Salesforce discoveries come at a time when the world is seized with debates on rules and regulations to tackle the risks of AI while promoting its responsible development and use. The US, EU, and China have been working on regulatory frameworks for AI meant to promote innovation while also protecting users’ safety and privacy.
The Economic Times article, however, suggests businesses have not followed suit but lag in AI policy frameworks in their workplaces.
Businesses lag behind
The survey results show that “nearly 7 in 10 global workers have never completed or received training on how to use generative AI ethically at work.”
While some businesses do not have AI policies, some industries lag behind more than others. The survey highlights that 87% of global workers in healthcare have indicated their employers do not have clear AI policies.
“With the level of confidential data held in this industry and others, there is an urgency to skill up workers on responsible use… In fact, nearly 4 in 10 (39%) global workers say their employer doesn’t hold an opinion about generative AI use in the workplace,” reads part of the report.
Paula Goldman, chief ethical and humane use officer at Salesforce, highlighted the need for businesses to invest in generative AI to realize the technology’s full potential.
“With clear guidelines, employees will be able to understand and address AI’s risks while also harnessing its innovations to supercharge their careers,” said Goldman.
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