Balancing AI and Security: A Jordan Imperative
Ammon News - Jordan on its attempt to digitize government services is moving expeditiously to be at the forefront of digital transformation in the Middle East, with initiatives like the Jordan Vision 2025 and the National ICT Strategy aimed at leveraging technology to drive economic growth and improve public services. However, the risks associated with data leakage in AI tools could undermine these efforts. If sensitive government data is exposed, it could stall progress in key sectors such as e-governance, Tax, healthcare, and education, where AI is increasingly being deployed.
A new report by Harmonic Security reveals alarming trends in data leakage through generative AI (GenAI) tools. The report, titled "From Payrolls to Patents: The Spectrum of Data Leaked into GenAI," highlights how sensitive information—ranging from customer data to proprietary code—is being inadvertently shared with AI platforms like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini. For Jordanian government organizations leveraging AI tools, these findings underscore significant legal, security, and competitive risks.
For example, in e-governance, AI tools are used to streamline citizen services, such as processing applications for permits, licenses, and social benefits. If sensitive citizen data is leaked, it could lead to identity theft, fraud, and other forms of cybercrime, eroding public confidence in digital services. Similarly, in healthcare, where AI is used for patient data analysis and diagnostics, a data breach could compromise patient privacy and violate medical confidentiality laws.
According to the report, 8.5% of prompts entered into GenAI tools contain sensitive data. This includes customer data (45.77%), such as billing information and authentication credentials, employee data (26.83%), like payroll and personally identifiable information (PII), and even legal and financial data (14.88%), including mergers and acquisitions details. Alarmingly, 63.8% of ChatGPT users relied on the free tier, which often lacks robust security features and may use input data to train AI models.
For Jordanian government entities, which increasingly rely on AI for tasks like document summarization, translation, and data analysis, these findings are particularly concerning. The inadvertent exposure of sensitive data highlight the needs for AI GUIDELINE usage or enact regulation for implantation of AI tool because it could lead to breaches of confidentiality, regulatory violations, and loss of public trust. For instance, if sensitive citizen data or internal government communications are leaked, it could result in legal repercussions under Jordan's data protection laws and damage the government's credibility.
One of the key challenges in addressing data leakage is the lack of awareness among employees about the risks of sharing sensitive information with AI tools. The Harmonic report emphasizes the importance of user education as a critical component of AI governance. For Jordanian government organizations, this means implementing comprehensive training programs to educate employees on:What constitutes sensitive data. Also, Training should cover how to use AI tools responsibly, including the importance of using enterprise-grade versions and avoiding free-tier tools that may lack adequate security controls.
Additionally, Employees should be trained to identify and report attempts to manipulate them into sharing sensitive data with unauthorized parties.Therefore, the rapid adoption of AI tools necessitates a more robust regulatory framework. Also, the government could consider:Mandating Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Requiring organizations to conduct DPIAs before deploying AI tools to identify and mitigate potential risks.
Another point is Promoting Transparency in AI Usage. These step Requiring organizations to disclose how they use AI tools and what measures are in place to protect data. Farther, Jordanian Authorities should collaborate with technology companies to develop secure AI solutions tailored to the needs of government organizations.
The adoption of AI tools offers immense potential for Jordanian government organizations to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and drive innovation. However, as the Harmonic report highlights, this potential comes with significant risks. Data leakage through AI tools could lead to legal liabilities, security breaches, and reputational damage, undermining Jordan's digital transformation efforts.
To address these challenges, Jordan must strike a balance between embracing AI and safeguarding sensitive data. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes stronger regulatory frameworks, robust security measures, and comprehensive employee training. By taking proactive steps to mitigate the risks of data leakage, Jordan can continue to lead the region in digital innovation while protecting the privacy and security of its citizens and organizations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
4 hours ago
- Jordan News
Amman Stock Exchange Closes Trading Higher - Jordan News
The Amman Stock Exchange closed its trading session today, Monday, with an increase of 0.89%, reaching the 2664-point level. The volume of traded shares reached approximately 9.5 million shares, with a total value of about 19.9 million Jordanian dinars, resulting from the execution of 2,548 deals. اضافة اعلان Comparing the closing prices of the traded companies' shares showed that 19 companies experienced a decrease in their share prices, while 34 companies saw their share prices rise, and the prices of shares of 28 other companies remained stable. --(Petra)
Ammon
5 hours ago
- Ammon
Dangers of charging phones overnight
Ammon News - Firechief Global, a provider of fire safety solutions in the UK, has issued a public warning about the hazards associated with charging mobile phones beside the bed at night. This caution comes in light of data showing that a significant portion of the population, including a third of teenagers, have the habit of sleeping with their phones under their pillows, and 74% of Britons charge their devices in their bedrooms. This practice, according to experts, poses a considerable risk of fire. Laurie Pollard, the Managing Director of Firechief Global, emphasized the fire hazard posed by charging phones under pillows or blankets. 'Phones generate heat during charging, and covering them with pillows or blankets can trap that heat, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially causing a fire,' Pollard explained. He stressed the importance of charging phones on open, flat surfaces away from flammable materials to mitigate these risks. Pollard also warned against overcharging, noting that it is a leading cause of fires in devices with lithium-ion batteries. Although modern smartphones have systems to prevent overcharging, the risk remains if these systems fail. He advised against charging phones on bedside tables, especially those made of combustible materials, to reduce the risk of fire.
Ammon
5 hours ago
- Ammon
Social Security Investment Fund issues 2024 sustainability report
Ammon News - The Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) on Monday released its eighth annual sustainability report for 2024, reinforcing its institutional commitment to voluntary disclosure, responsible investment, and the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles in fund management. SSIF Chairman Ezzedine Kanakrieh said the report reflects the Fund's strategic direction to embed sustainability in its investment philosophy by aligning financial performance with social and environmental impact. He noted that the Fund adopts a governance framework that prioritizes transparency, operational efficiency, and the long-term protection of Social Security subscribers' and retirees' assets. According to Kanakrieh, the 2024 report outlines the Fund's alignment with sustainable development goals by incorporating clear performance metrics and objectives that support the Fund's broader institutional, social, and environmental responsibilities. The report presents the Fund's sustainable investment model, which aims to strike a balance between financial returns and development outcomes. This includes diversifying investment portfolios across sectors and regions, expanding long-term projects with socioeconomic impact, and reinforcing the Fund's role as a prudent and impartial asset manager. It also details SSIF's initiatives in human capital development, particularly efforts to enhance institutional capacity, improve staff performance, and promote gender inclusion in leadership roles. The report highlights advancements in digital transformation, in line with the national strategy, to streamline operations and strengthen governance and service delivery. Further, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the Fund's financial performance, social and economic contributions, and the geographic and sectoral allocation of investments. The Fund emphasized that the report demonstrates its institutional maturity in voluntary disclosure and governance enhancement, contributing to stakeholder confidence, intergenerational equity, and sustainable national economic development. Petra
