Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) is an artificial intelligence capable of creating content such as text, images, music, video, and code by learning from and analyzing large amounts of data. Koç University (“the University”) encourages the responsible exploration and use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools. However, when using these tools, it is crucial to prioritize key considerations such as information security, data privacy, compliance, ethical standards, copyright, and academic integrity.
Protecting your sensitive information when using artificial intelligence tools is important. Using sensitive information in the prompt you enter into the AI program may lead to privacy breaches and security risks. For example, if someone enters confidential research data into an AI program as a prompt, the AI might learn this data and potentially use it in content generated for parties who should not have access to that information. Some tools offer better protection for your inputs and other (privacy-related) sensitive data than others. Therefore, tools recommended by the University should be used, as they are chosen to ensure the appropriate level of data privacy and protection.
Additionally, by the University’s Data Classification and Privacy Policy and Information Security Policy, data classified as confidential and top secret (including non-public research data, finance, human resources, student records, health data, etc.) should not be entered into publicly available AI Generation tools. Information shared with AI generation tools using default settings is not confidential and may lead to unauthorized access to institutional or sensitive information
When using GAI, it is recommended to use GAI tools that comply with corporate principles, Koç University’s information security policies, and relevant regulations.
As Koç University staff, you need to ensure that the content you publish or use is of high quality and accurate. Content generated by artificial intelligence may sometimes contain errors or inappropriate information. It is crucial to verify this information.
Given these points, users are responsible for any content they publish or use that incorporates material generated by artificial intelligence.
As AI tools are constantly evolving and advancing technologies, organizations are gaining a better understanding of the impacts of generative AI tools and are developing and updating their policies accordingly to align with these advancements.
In this context, users are expected to always act in accordance with the most up-to-date policies published by KU when using generative AI tools. In this process, faculty members should provide clear information to their students about the permitted uses of generative AI in courses and academic studies, and students should be encouraged to request information from faculty members about these policies when needed.
Generative AI has made it easier for malicious actors to create more sophisticated phishing emails and “deepfakes” (i.e., video or audio intended to convincingly mimic a person’s voice or physical appearance without their consent) on a much larger scale. For your security, keep following the KU Information Security Policy and related procedures and report suspicious emails to bilgiguvenligi@ku.edu.tr.
The university works to ensure that tools provided on behalf of KU have appropriate privacy and security protections and that operations conducted within KU are carried out in the best possible manner. It is recommended to use artificial intelligence production tools that comply with institutional principles, Koç University’s information security policies, and relevant regulations while using GAI. If you have any questions or concerns about the generative artificial intelligence tools to be used, it is advised to reach out to the Artificial Intelligence Governance Committee before using these tools. Users will be responsible for the use of GAI tools that do not comply with security criteria.
