A recent Microsoft poll reveals that a significant number of UK employees are using unapproved “Shadow AI” tools at work, raising serious concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity. The survey found that 71% of workers have engaged with these consumer AI technologies for tasks such as drafting reports and financial communications. Alarmingly, only 32% expressed concern over the privacy implications, while 29% were wary of potential impacts on IT security. Microsoft warns that the rise of Shadow AI escalates risks of data leaks and cyber-attacks. Despite this, employee enthusiasm for AI remains high, with 58% utilizing AI tools weekly, translating to an average of 7.75 hours gained per week—equating to £207 billion in productivity for the UK economy. Additionally, over half of UK employees express optimism toward AI, signaling a shift in attitudes as organizations evolve their strategies for AI integration.
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