A recent survey spanning ten African and Middle Eastern countries sheds light on the growing trend of excessive trust in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Conducted among 1,300 respondents, the survey highlights a concerning statistic: while 83% of users express confidence in the accuracy and reliability of these AI tools, 63% are open to sharing their personal information, exposing themselves to potential risks.
Generative AI: Opportunities and risks
Generative AI, exemplified by popular platforms like ChatGPT, has indeed revolutionized various sectors since its introduction in late 2022. Its seamless integration into daily tasks, from marketing campaigns to content creation, has garnered widespread adoption.
However, the survey findings suggest that this adoption may have outpaced users’ awareness of associated risks.
Lack of awareness and policies
Anna Collard, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, emphasizes the need for increased user training and awareness regarding the potential risks of generative AI.
Despite its benefits in time-saving and productivity, the survey reveals a glaring lack of comprehensive policies in organizations to address these challenges. Nearly half of the respondents reported the absence of a generative AI policy at work, with 8% prohibited from using it altogether.
User comfort and trust
Interestingly, the survey also unveils discrepancies in user comfort levels across different regions. While 75% of respondents in Nigeria express comfort in sharing personal information with generative AI tools, only 54% in South Africa feel the same.
This variation underscores the importance of considering cultural and regional nuances in addressing trust and security concerns related to AI technologies.
Addressing the threat landscape
Collard stresses the importance of cultivating a zero-trust mindset to combat the threats posed by the malicious use of generative AI. With the prevalence of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns, organizations must prioritize employee training and implement comprehensive policies to safeguard against potential risks.
Failure to do so not only exposes individuals to financial loss and data breaches but also threatens the integrity of democratic processes, particularly with elections on the horizon in various countries.
