Has generative AI quietly ushered in a new era of shadow IT on steroids?

What may go unsuitable with generative AI as shadow IT?

Earlier than we dive into what’s taking place proper now in international enterprises concerning using generative AI instruments, we have to take a brief detour to handle the query: what are the issues with shadow IT?

There are dozens of nice research displaying the risks that include shadow IT. Just a few of the considerations embrace decreased management over delicate information, an elevated assault floor, danger of knowledge loss, compliance points, and inefficient information evaluation.

Sure, there are a lot of different safety, privateness, and authorized points that may floor with shadow IT. However what considerations me essentially the most is the astonishing progress in generative AI apps — together with how briskly these apps are being adopted for a myriad of causes. Certainly, if the web can greatest be described as an accelerator for each good and evil — which I consider is true — generative AI is supercharging that acceleration in each instructions.

Many are saying that the adoption of generative AI apps is greatest in comparison with the early days of the web, with the potential for unparalleled international progress. What is obvious proper now could be that firms that supply AI alternatives are receiving essentially the most consideration and accelerating adoption. Past ChatGPT’s record-breaking climb to 100 million customers, together with 1.6 billion visits to the web site in June 2023, I think research will come out later this yr displaying fast generative AI adoption progress throughout many firms, not like something we now have ever seen earlier than. We’re speaking about actual game-changers.

IT leaders have real considerations about generative AI and safety

It’s clear to me that executives are actually pondering extra about this difficulty (as in comparison with six months in the past) and the implications for his or her information. Considerations are rising concerning using free generative AI instruments that will additionally carry licensing, copyright, authorized, mental property, misinformation, and different considerations.

The general problem of managing end-user conduct is just not new. Safety and know-how leaders have been making an attempt to allow and assist enterprise finish customers for many years whereas managing and securing information. However in a seemly endless tug-of-war over management concerning who sees what information, when and the way, ChatGPT and different generative AI apps supply compelling new causes to maneuver past enterprise-authorized functions for finishing enterprise duties.