Aussie businesses adopting AI faster than policies

Adoption of AI among Australian businesses is significantly outpacing the implementation of staff policies for its use, according to research from New Zealand-based tech company Datacom.

The research suggests that around 72% of Australian businesses are using some form of AI, but only around 52% have staff policies in place covering the use of the technology.

In addition, while 86% of Australian business leaders believe the integration of AI within their business will impact operations and workplace structures, 60% report having safety and security concerns over the use of AI, and 20% do not feel educated on the risks AI poses.

Among the 21% of businesses not currently using AI, 67% expect to be using some form of the technology within the next two years, and a further 13% expect to be using it within three years.

But despite the high level of AI adoption, 58% of respondents report that their organisation still lacks targets around the use of AI. Meanwhile only 40% have legal guidelines in place for the use of AI and only 39% have audit assurance and governance frameworks.

Nearly nine in 10 (89%) respondents feel there should be legislation for AI use in the public sector, and 63% believe that AI implementation should be managed by specialists.

Respondents also report having ethical concerns around the use of AI, including security concerns (60%), a fear of loss of control (60%), ethical concerns around AI use in wider society (45%) and the potential for a reduction in job opportunities for Australians (41%).

Datacom Group CISO Karl Wright said organisations need to be proactive about setting policies to manage risks around business data, IP and copyright issues associated with the use of AI tools.

“The use of AI needs to be carefully considered, monitored and governed with clear policies and guidelines in place to ensure the risks to businesses are minimised,” he said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Blue Planet Studio