What is Shadow AI?

Shadow AI is the use of personal or unsanctioned AI tools for work, outside any oversight from the organisation.

When staff use personal ChatGPT logins or other consumer AI accounts to get work done, the organisation can't see what data is being shared, can't audit it, and can't switch it off when someone leaves. That invisible usage is shadow AI.

It's usually well-intentioned — people are trying to work faster — which is why bans tend to make it worse rather than better. The effective response is to give staff a sanctioned route that's just as quick, so the safe option is also the easy one.

Related guide: How to stop employees leaking data into ChatGPT