In a surprising move, Microsoft Corporation MSFT briefly cut off its employees’ access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, citing data security issues.
What Happened: On Thursday, Microsoft momentarily blocked its employees from using ChatGPT, an AI product the Satya Nadella-led company has heavily invested in. The decision stemmed from “security and data concerns,” reported CNBC, citing an update on the company’s internal website.
Microsoft considered ChatGPT an external service, warning its use due to potential privacy and security threats. This alert also covered other AI services like Midjourney and Replika.
See Also: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Just ‘Outmemed’ Elon Musk, Shows Off ChatGPT As Daddy Of ‘Grok’
“While it is true that Microsoft has invested in OpenAI and that ChatGPT has built-in safeguards to prevent improper use, the website is nevertheless a third-party external service,” the tech giant stated.
“That means you must exercise caution using it due to risks of privacy and security. This goes for any other external AI services, such as Midjourney or Replika, as well.”
Initially, the announcement reportedly declared a ban on ChatGPT and Canva, a design software. However, this was later revised, and the access to ChatGPT was restored.
A representative from Microsoft explained that the temporary ChatGPT blockage happened during a large language models system test. “We were testing endpoint control systems for LLMs and inadvertently turned them on for all employees,” they said.
After recognizing the mistake, access was promptly reinstated. Microsoft advised its employees and customers to use services like Bing Chat Enterprise and ChatGPT Enterprise for enhanced privacy and security.
Despite the short-lived blockage, Microsoft still endorses its proprietary Bing Chat tool, which employs OpenAI AI models.
Meanwhile, rumors started circulating that after Microsoft banned the usage of ChatGPT for its employees, the Sam Altman-led company retaliated by blocking Microsoft 355.
The CEO of OpenAI took to X (formerly Twitter) later that day, clearing the air and calling these rumors “unfounded.”
Why It Matters: Previously, it was reported that ChatGPT’s popularity has surged in the U.S. workplaces, even amidst restrictions by tech giants such as Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, Apple Inc., and Alphabet Inc.
These companies, along with Microsoft, aimed to protect their intellectual property and sensitive data.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT has earlier faced legal inquiries in Poland and a ban in Italy due to privacy concerns, adding to the controversy surrounding the AI chatbot.
Photo by Ascannio on Shutterstock
This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Check out more of Benzinga’s Consumer Tech coverage by following this link.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.
