3 in 4 firms consider banning ChatGPT, AI tools

WATERLOO, CANADA — A recent BlackBerry survey reveals that 75% of companies globally are considering or implementing bans on ChatGPT and similar generative AI tools in the office. 

The study involved 2,000 IT decision-makers across eight countries, with 61% planning long-term or permanent bans.

Around 67% said that data security and privacy concerns are the leading causes for these restrictions, followed by 57% who said they are cautious of AI’s risk to corporate reputation.

BlackBerry Chief Technology Officer Shishir Singh warns that such bans could stifle potential business benefits. He also emphasized BlackBerry’s focus on “value over hype” in developing enterprise-level generative AI.

Technical leaders are at the forefront of pushing for these bans, with 72% of organizations driven by CIOs, CTOs, and CSOs. CEOs also play a significant role in nearly half of the companies.

While bans are on the table, the survey shows that most IT decision-makers recognize generative AI’s upside. They believe these tools can improve efficiency (55%), foster innovation (52%), and boost creativity (51%). Cybersecurity defense is another area where AI tools get an 81% approval rate.

Interestingly, although 80% of IT leaders feel entitled to regulate office apps, 74% consider total bans as a sign of “excessive control.” To strike a balance, 62% of CIOs and CISOs are leaning toward unified endpoint management (UEM) platforms for granular app control. 

 “The key will be in having the right tools in place,” asserts Singh, “for visibility, monitoring, and management of applications used in the workplace.”