Navigating the Uncharted Territory of Large Language Models

As AI technology advances, it's crucial to understand the implications of using large language models. This article explores the importance of caution when using AI chatbots and the rise of new players in the AI landscape.
Navigating the Uncharted Territory of Large Language Models
Photo by Carlos Andres Gomez on Unsplash

The Rise of AI: Navigating the Uncharted Territory of Large Language Models

As AI technology continues to advance, it’s becoming increasingly important to understand the implications of using large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Anthropic’s Claude, and Perplexity AI. As a cybersecurity expert, I’ve had the opportunity to explore the capabilities of these models, and I’ve come to realize that there are certain things I would never share with them.

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

On one hand, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we work and live. It can automate mundane tasks, provide valuable insights, and even help us make better decisions. However, as we rely more heavily on AI, we must also be aware of the potential risks involved. The newer capabilities of these generative AI chatbots require more care and awareness.

The Importance of Caution

When using AI chatbots, it’s essential to remember that the conversation is not only between you and the AI. The company can use these details to train the next model, and someone could ask the new system details about you, making parts of your life searchable. This is particularly concerning when sharing personal details, such as financial information or net worth.

Following Company AI Guidelines

As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, it’s crucial to follow your company’s AI policy. This includes being mindful of what you input into an LLM, as it could potentially reveal confidential information. For example, my company has a list of confidential items that we are not allowed to upload to any chatbot or LLM, including salaries, employee information, and financial performance.

Differentiating Between Chatbots

Not all AI chatbots are created equal. When I use ChatGPT, I trust that OpenAI and everyone involved in its supply chain do their best to ensure cybersecurity and that my data won’t leak to bad actors. However, homegrown chatbots found on airline or doctors’ websites may not invest in all the security updates, making them more vulnerable to breaches.

The Future of AI

As AI chatbots become more humanlike, we’re swayed to share more and open up to topics we wouldn’t have before. As a general rule of thumb, I would urge people not to blindly use every chatbot they come across and to stay away from being too specific, regardless of which LLM they’re talking to.

The Rise of iGenius

In other news, Italian AI startup iGenius aims to raise $698 million, which would give the startup a post-money valuation of $1.8 billion. This comes after the launch of its open-source foundational LLM, Italia, which is trained exclusively in Italian and has knowledge of decades of national and international history.

AI startup iGenius Italian AI startup iGenius aims to raise $698 million

The Future of Generative AI

The AI landscape is rapidly evolving, with investors funneling $21.8 billion into generative AI companies in 2023. As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize caution and awareness when using these powerful tools.