Since the emergence of ChatGPT, employees have generally been enthusiastic about its capabilities, but various organisations, not so much. Most recently, Amazon issued a warning to its employees, cautioning against the use of third-party generative AI tools like ChatGPT for work-related tasks. 

In an email to employees, Amazon stressed the need to protect confidential information and explicitly advised against using such tools for any confidential Amazon work, reported Business Insider. The company specifically warned against sharing confidential Amazon, customer, or employee data while utilising third-party generative AI tools. 

"While we may find ourselves using GenAl tools, especially when it seems to make life easier, we should be sure not to use it for confidential Amazon work," the company stated. 

Amazon's internal policy on third-party generative AI use underscores potential risks associated with these tools. According to the policy, companies providing generative AI services may assert ownership or licensing rights over content created by employees. 

This encompasses various outputs such as emails, internal documents, and pre-launch materials, which could be accessed, reviewed, and distributed by the owners of the generative AI. 

Amazon's cautious stance mirrors actions taken by other tech giants like Samsung and Apple, which have also imposed limitations on internal use of generative AI tools. These restrictions are partly driven by concerns about ownership rights, particularly given Microsoft's significant investment in OpenAI, the entity behind tools like ChatGPT. 

Microsoft's involvement raises the possibility of them claiming rights to the results produced by such models. Even Microsoft, despite its investment in OpenAI, temporarily suspended access to in-house generative AI tools for its employees. 

This highlights the intricate dynamics and concerns surrounding the use of third-party AI tools within corporate environments. Amazon's spokesperson, Adam Montgomery, affirmed that the company has been actively involved in the development of generative AI and large-scale machine learning models for a significant period. 

He stressed that employees regularly utilise these technologies but assured that the company has implemented safeguards to ensure compliance with policies regarding confidential information and security. 

Amazon's cautionary notice underscores the company's dedication to safeguarding sensitive data and retaining control over proprietary information in the face of rapidly evolving AI technologies.

Amazon isn't alone in prohibiting the use of ChatGPT. Previously, Apple, Walmart, Samsung, JP Morgan Chase, and numerous other companies have also implemented bans on the tool.