A recent Microsoft report reveals that 71% of UK workers use unapproved AI tools for tasks like drafting emails and creating reports, with 51% utilizing these applications weekly. Despite the benefits, such as saving 7.75 hours per week per user—equating to £208 billion annually—28% of employees lack access to sanctioned alternatives, raising serious concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. Alarmingly, only 32% of employees are worried about data privacy, and 29% about IT vulnerabilities. Familiarity with AI, particularly Shadow AI, drives its use, with sectors like IT, telecoms, and finance leading adoption. As enthusiasm for AI grows—57% of workers now feel optimistic compared to 34% in January 2025—experts like Darren Hardman from Microsoft urge firms to adopt secure, enterprise-grade solutions to harness AI’s productivity potential while ensuring robust data protection.
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