In a recent survey spanning ten African and Middle Eastern countries and involving 1,300 respondents, it was discovered that a significant portion of users are placing themselves in vulnerable positions due to excessive trust in generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The findings revealed that 63% of participants are willing to share personal information with AI tools, while an overwhelming 83% expressed confidence in the accuracy and reliability of these technologies. Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, emphasized the need for enhanced user training and awareness regarding the potential risks associated with generative AI.
Since its introduction in late 2022, ChatGPT has transformed various work processes, offering rapid content generation and seamless assistance. However, concerns have arisen regarding the rapid adoption of generative AI.
Collard notes that while generative AI presents substantial opportunities for African users and organizations, the associated risks must be considered. The survey, conducted across users in ten African countries, revealed widespread use of generative AI for purposes such as research, email composition, and creative content generation. Despite the perceived benefits, there remains a disconnect between perceptions and realities, particularly concerning cybersecurity.
One alarming finding from the survey is the ease with which users share sensitive data with generative AI tools. Across the surveyed countries, nearly two-thirds of users were comfortable sharing personal information, indicating a concerning level of trust. Additionally, a lack of comprehensive policies in organizations to address generative AI challenges was observed, with nearly half of respondents reporting the absence of such policies.
Deepfakes, a concerning application of AI, pose significant risks, yet awareness and training remain inadequate. Collard warns of the potential for scams and political manipulation, stressing the need for a zero-trust mindset and comprehensive training initiatives within companies to mitigate these risks effectively.
