Innovation Spotlight: Generative AI

Copilot Bing Chat and the ChatGPT Teams

ECU’s Data Stewardship Committee is pleased to share an update regarding the use of Generative AI tools such as Copilot Bing Chat and the ChatGPT Teams version, which have been reviewed and approved for use with institutional or research data, depending on the specific product.

Copilot Bing Chat

The Data Stewardship Committee has approved the use of Level 2 data in Copilot Bing Chat for ECU users. Level 2 data generally include emails and directory information, such as employee and student names. However, please note that regulated data, such as FERPA (grades, GPA), HIPAA, and GLBA data, is prohibited. It should also be noted that, in order to be in compliance, the user is required to be logged in with their ECU ID while connected to the ECU network directly (i.e. on campus) or via VPN from a remote location. The Data Stewardship Committee is also working on creating a specific list of Level 2 data examples that are allowed for Generative AI, which is expected to be published early this year.

ChatGPT Teams Version 

The ChatGPT Teams version has been approved for research purposes on a case-by-case basis. To use this tool with institutional data, Research Data Steward approval and a purchase request are required. Additionally, approved users must ensure that AI model training is disabled when using the Teams version to ensure compliance with ECU’s data governance policies. Please be aware that using Level 2, 3, or 4 data with this tool requires explicit Research Data Steward approval. Additionally, the approval process includes making any additional Data Stewards, whose data may be utilized, aware so they can provide their approvals as well.

Not Approved Generative AI Tools for Institutional Data

Other generative AI tools, like Apple Intelligence or Jasper, are restricted to Level 1 (Public) data only. Internal emails, directory information, and regulated data cannot be used with these tools.

ECU is still in the process of evaluating Microsoft 365 Copilot as a potential solution for the university which is a user-paid service. Given that Copilot Microsoft 365 relies on AI models that process and analyze your organization’s data, we must ensure the proper handling and protection of sensitive or confidential information. The ITCS department is taking preventive measures to ensure appropriate data security is in place before implementing this tool on a larger scale.

We appreciate your attention to these guidelines and your continued efforts to maintain the privacy and security of ECU’s data. As always, if you have any questions or need further clarification on the use of these tools, please feel free to reach out to the Data Stewardship Committee or ITCS.

For a complete list of approved Generative AI tools, please visit the Sensitive Data Storage and Transmission site.