Generative AI is making waves across industries, accelerating adoption at a pace even faster than the early days of the internet. While this technology unlocks immense possibilities, it also brings with it significant risks. Organizations looking to harness the benefits of AI must strike a careful balance between driving innovation and upholding responsible practices, notes Sourabh Mahajan, Technical Architect at Salesforce Inc.
- Foster Transparency
Generative AI models often lack clear explanations for their actions. It’s critical for organizations to keep track of AI activities, monitor their behaviors, and establish comprehensive audit trails. Implementing process platforms can streamline how tasks are assigned to AI bots and agents, with escalation pathways to humans when decisions require final approval. AI should also offer source citations, enabling users to verify information and trust results. Georgia State University’s “Pounce” chatbot, a generative AI tool, provides new students with real-time SMS support and reminders, reducing summer melt by 22% and significantly improving engagement. The bot also refers more complex cases to staff as needed. - Protect Against AI Bias
Bias can seep into AI outcomes when algorithms or datasets are flawed or unrepresentative. To minimize unfair results, it’s important to eliminate sensitive identifiers like race, age, and gender from datasets. Ensuring data diversity and routinely reviewing outputs helps catch and address bias early. Private AI models, trained exclusively on an organization’s own data, also allow for better control and further bias prevention. - Integrate AI Thoughtfully into Workflows
Structured guidelines are essential for effective AI integration. Process platforms can help define AI boundaries, identify instances where human oversight is required, and ensure that internally trained, private AI models are used appropriately. By providing this structure, organizations safeguard both compliance and operational efficiency ultimately securing an ethical edge that builds trust and supports long-term growth. - Embrace Private AI for Enhanced Security
Protecting private information and complying with regulations is key. Public AI models are trained on wide ranging internet data, which can introduce privacy vulnerabilities and even inadvertently leak proprietary information. By contrast, private AI keeps organizational data internal and ensures models are trained within strict compliance parameters, thus protecting sensitive information and intellectual assets. - Select AI Applications with Discretion
With regulations like 2023’s Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy AI bringing stringent guidelines to the U.S., it’s more important than ever to use AI judiciously. These regulations call for transparency, rigorous risk assessments, and robust privacy protections. Organizations are advised to deploy AI where it can add genuine value, but to always keep humans in the loop especially for major decisions, like loan approvals, that can significantly impact individuals.
Ultimately, responsible and secure adoption of generative AI isn’t just about ethics it’s a competitive differentiator. It inspires customer trust, reduces organizational risk, and sets the stage for sustainable growth
About the Author
Sourabh Mahajan is a seasoned Salesforce specialist and technology innovator known for crafting and deploying transformative cloud solutions that enable businesses across various sectors to thrive. His extensive expertise in Salesforce development, system architecture, and consulting has consistently propelled digital transformation, optimized workflows, and delivered tangible business results. Driven by a passion for innovation, Sourabh aids organizations in achieving their objectives through thoughtful and strategic technology integration.
Whether leveraging AI to enhance customer experiences, designing scalable architectures to solve intricate business problems, or guiding teams toward peak operational performance, Sourabh excels at turning visionary ideas into practical outcomes. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is a committed mentor, an advocate for continuous learning, and an engaged member of the technology community, dedicated to sharing insights and inspiring fellow professionals.
