Govt asks officials to use AI with caution

The Cabinet Division has issued a notice instructing government officials to exercise "utmost caution" while using AI tools for official work. The notice directs public officials to be careful when using artificial intelligence systems in the course of their duties. The instruction applies to all government officials who use AI tools for official purposes. The notice does not, in the excerpt made available, enumerate specific AI products or services covered by the directive.

The notice warns that careless use of AI tools could result in the unauthorised disclosure or transfer of sensitive and confidential government information to third parties. It says officials should avoid careless conduct that might expose such information. The warning specifically identifies third parties as potential recipients of information that should remain confidential. The phrase "utmost caution" indicates the level of care the government expects from its employees when handling official work through AI tools.

The issued notice is a response to concerns about the risks of using AI in government work. It comes from the Cabinet Division, which is the administrative body responsible for the notice. The notice itself does not appear to provide detailed instructions on how to exercise the required caution. It also does not, based on the excerpt, specify what constitutes a violation or what penalties might follow. The article's title summarises the directive as a request that officials use AI with caution. The notice's impact depends on how individual officials interpret "utmost caution" in their daily work.