Use of Emerging Technologies
Using emerging technology such as generative artificial intelligence, or similar tools, for work-related purposes, can create sizeable value for the university when appropriately leveraged. These tools, when not properly governed and managed, can create privacy and security risks, provide false information, and/or lead to academic and business integrity concerns. When it is appropriate to use emerging technologies, we should do so ethically and in alignment with UCF’s mission, vision, values, policies, and with all applicable regulations and laws.
Follow the guidelines below when using emerging technologies for university business:
- We must not insert university-related intellectual property and highly restricted data, such as Human Resources records, health information, financial account numbers, and other personal and restricted data, as noted within the university’s Data Classification and Protection Policy (4-008) into such tools.
- Highly restricted data and/or restricted data, documents or other work products should be sanitized before sharing them with an online tool. By removing and/or replacing highly restricted data and restricted data with alternative, unrestricted data, individuals can still acquire the results they seek without placing highly restricted data or restricted data at risk of being seen or used by unauthorized individuals.
- Third party works, materials, and data must not be shared with an emerging technology without proper authorization. Doing so may put the university at risk.
- Always presume data entered into emerging technology will become publicly accessible unless otherwise contractually stated to the contrary.
Additional considerations when using emerging technologies include, but are not limited to:
- Data bias and unintentional harm. Results from using emerging technologies may reflect embedded one-sidedness or partiality not based on reason or actual experience that can cause unintended damage to others. Output from these tools should be reviewed for one-sidedness and should be adjusted to not unfairly disadvantage one or more groups of individuals. If such results cannot be altered, then written notation that highlights and acknowledges the area(s) of partiality should be included.
- Inappropriate content. While information processed by most emerging technologies is cleaned of harmful, unsavory, or other material deemed unsuitable for all or certain audiences, occasionally, such information may arrive as part of its output and must be reviewed and removed accordingly.
- Inaccurate or misinformation. Not all information generated by emerging technologies is correct and, as such, should be fact-checked prior to use.
- Copyright infringement. Emerging technologies may use or include copyrighted information without appropriate citation or permission and therefore, individuals should include specific, accurate references to all sources used to generate results.