There is no denying that AI is here to stay and has many benefits for enhancing our digital marketing efforts. We’ve seen the benefits of tools like ChatGPT, but we’ve also seen the consequences of rolling out AI tools without establishing responsible guidelines.
That’s exactly what led us to roll out our first AI policy for using ChatGPT.
What Our Policy Provides
First, it provides clear expectations for our employees on how to use AI tools. We want to make sure our team takes advantage of AI’s potential without sacrificing the quality, accuracy, and creativity we’re known for. ChatGPT can help get us started, but it’s our human touch that makes it polished and effective.
We ask our team to proofread, edit, and fact-check everything that comes out of ChatGPT before they publish or share it. That includes checking for grammar mistakes, ensuring the information is accurate, and making sure the content is structured and engaging for our audience.
Second, it provides protection to our clients and our business. One key aspect of using AI tools like ChatGPT responsibly is keeping in mind what kinds of information are publicly available and what must remain confidential.
In this policy, we are clear to our employees that they should never share sensitive information with AI tools. People with questions about what is considered confidential information must turn to our handbook and leadership team.
Why Write It Now?
Simply put, we want to be proactive yet protective pioneers.
This is the first iteration of what will certainly evolve into a more detailed policy as AI tools become more embedded in our SEO and Paid Media workflows. While we feel comfortable with where we are today, we know we’re at the beginning of our AI journey. This technology will continue to evolve, and so will the risks and opportunities that come with it.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Of course, AI isn’t without its risks. Here are a few potential pitfalls we’ve considered:
- Misinformation: AI can generate inaccurate, biased, or misleading content that, if not checked, could lead to problems down the line.
- Copyright: There’s always a risk that AI might inadvertently infringe on intellectual property.
- Confidentiality: Sharing sensitive or confidential details with AI tools could expose us to legal risks.*
I mention these risks not to scare anyone off, but to highlight that AI tools need to be managed carefully. With the right policies in place, you can avoid potential pitfalls while still reaping the benefits.
Encouraging Others to Embrace AI
I know a lot of executives may be hesitant about AI—concerns about liability and misuse are totally valid. But having a clear policy in place and encouraging open dialogue ignites a culture of experimentation, which opens up so much potential for efficiency and innovation.
No policy is going to be perfect, and that’s OK. What’s important is taking that first step, getting something in place, and refining it as you go. If this policy can help your organization move one step closer to giving your team access to AI tools in a responsible way, then I feel we’ve done our job.
*Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. If you’re creating an AI policy for your company, you should consult legal counsel before making it public.
