Here’s how to use AI with confidential board materials - without risking your job:
1. Treat AI like an intern, not a vault
AI tools like ChatGPT are smart, but they are not secure storage. Never upload full board decks, sensitive financials, or un-redacted minutes. Think of AI as a helpful assistant, not a locked filing cabinet.
2. Redact before you react
Before pasting anything into an AI tool, strip out names, numbers, and any detail that could identify your company or board. Replace real data with placeholders. “Company X” beats “Acme Corp Q2 Earnings” every time.
3. Use “need-to-know” prompts
Feed AI only the context it needs. If you want help drafting a summary, give it the topic, not the transcript. If you need a risk analysis, describe the scenario, not the confidential details.
4. Know your AI’s memory
Most public AI tools store prompts to improve their models. That means what you share could end up in future training data. If you must use AI, choose enterprise versions with strict privacy controls (like Vizory) or on-premise solutions.
⚠️ Confidentiality is not a feature. It’s a responsibility.
5. Never trust, always verify
AI can hallucinate. It can also misinterpret context. Always double-check AI-generated content before sharing it with the board. Your name is on the line, not the bot’s.
6. Get legal on your side
Work with your legal and IT teams to set clear AI policies. Know what’s allowed, what’s forbidden, and what gets logged. If your company has no policy, push for one - fast.
7. Use AI for structure, not substance
Let AI help you outline, format, or brainstorm. But keep the real data and decisions offline. AI is great for turning bullet points into prose, not for holding secrets.
8. Remember: leaks are forever
A single data leak can destroy trust and careers. Treat every AI prompt as if it could be published on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow.
Here’s the bottom line: AI is a power tool, not a paper shredder.
Use it to sharpen your work, not to store your secrets.