What not to paste into an AI tool at work

AI tools can save time, but anything you paste may leave your control. Use only a tool and account your employer has approved for the kind of information you intend to share. Check your employer's rules first.

Keep these out of unapproved tools:

• Customer names, addresses, account or health details.
• Passwords and secret access keys, which are codes that give access to a system.
• Contracts, pricing and other confidential business facts. These need protection even if they are not marked confidential.
• Staff records, such as HR (human resources) files and personal details.

If you need help with a document, use a wholly made-up example instead. Removing names and numbers can still leave identifying clues or confidential facts.

The free AI Work Sharing Companion has a short checklist.