This blog is part of a series highlighting perspectives from NTCA committee chairs who contributed to NTCA's supplemental papers exploring the opportunities and practical applications of AI.
AI is making headlines almost every day. As AI tools become increasingly common in the workplace, many companies are wrestling with the same question: How can we take advantage of AI's benefits without exposing our organizations to unnecessary risk?
One useful way to think about AI is as an eager intern.
Like a motivated intern, AI can work quickly, generate ideas, summarize information and help complete tasks more efficiently. But it can also make mistakes—sometimes with surprising confidence. An AI tool might cite legal authority that has been overturned, generate inaccurate information or create images that simply don't reflect reality. In one highly publicized example, an AI-generated political message wished a home-state hockey team good luck in the Stanley Cup Finals, while displaying a team photo that didn't include any of the actual players.
Beyond factual errors, AI use can introduce other risks, including the inadvertent disclosure of confidential, proprietary or sensitive business information. Without appropriate safeguards, organizations may find themselves facing legal, operational or reputational consequences.
The reality is that AI can be a valuable workplace tool, but it should not operate without oversight. Just as a supervisor reviews an intern's work before relying on it, employees should carefully evaluate and verify AI-generated content before incorporating it into business decisions, communications or customer-facing materials.
To help rural broadband providers navigate these challenges, the NTCA Legal Committee developed AI Usage Guidelines for Rural Broadband Providers. The guidelines offer a practical starting point for organizations considering whether, and how, to integrate AI into their operations.
The Committee's central recommendation is simple: treat AI like an eager intern. Appreciate its ability to assist, but always apply human judgment, discretion and review before relying on its work product.
When used thoughtfully, AI can be a powerful assistant. When used carelessly, it can create problems just as quickly as it creates content.
The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NTCA, its committees or its members.