Shadow AI: The silent risk putting construction projects in danger

Spokesperson, Job Title of Synergie Training says the construction industry must be aware of the growing threat of shadow AI

In any sector, there is natural drive to make work easier, more efficient and creative. The construction industry is no exception. Many site managers are using sanctioned AI to help improve site productivity, project managers are embracing it for streamlined scheduling and resource allocation, AI tools can even optimise the use of resources and help improve sustainability outcomes for buildings.

What exactly is Shadow AI?

Along with these benefits of AI though there lies a less visible risk lurking in the shadows, and this darker side to AI is one that employers need to be aware of. Shadow AI, or the quiet, unauthorised adoption of AI, is happening in almost every organisation across the UK.

Staff might be blissfully unaware they are doing anything wrong when they use an unsanctioned AI tool. If policies for responsible enablement of AI are not in place though, even the most well-intentioned employee risks serious consequences around data privacy, compliance, intellectual property, and reputational risk of their organisation.

Shadow AI vs Shadow IT

Many construction professionals are familiar with Shadow IT, where employees use unsanctioned software or cloud services without company approval. Shadow AI is the next step of this challenge where AI tools, models, or platforms are used by staff without the knowledge of their employer. This could mean using anything from ChatGPT to write a simple memo, to more construction specific AI, for example, AI construction estimating software or AI powered platforms used for schedule optimisation.

Whether generic or sector specific though, the outcome is the same. Shadow AI risks sending potentially sensitive company data into third party AI tools. Of course, it is natural when deadlines are tight, or resources limited that employees turn to whatever might help them get results. Unauthorised use of AI tools, however, can potentially lead to everything from data protection laws being breached and violations of GDPR or sector specific compliance standards to IT security threats. If a public data leak or misuse of AI generated content occurs, customer and stakeholder trust can also be eroded.

How to detect shadow AI in your organisation

With the use of AI so common now, how can construction professionals uncover the hidden risks of it being used, unsanctioned, in their company and then move forward effectively?

The initial step in detecting unsanctioned use of AI in an organisation is to acknowledge and accept that most staff are using it with good intentions. Engaging employees in fully transparent discussions about AI use is essential. With an increased cultural awareness of the issue within an organisation, professionals can also begin to map how AI is being used companywide. Carrying out technical audits will also help unveil which teams are using it and quickly identify patterns of adoption.

The objective of uncovering shadow AI is not to ban it, after all, most companies applaud innovation and creative thinking. Instead, once a clearer picture has been identified, companies will be able to support the use of AI, providing sanctioned routes to use effective, practical, successful and, importantly, safe use of AI to help streamline workflows.

Building safe, smart AI policies

AI, like any new technology also requires policies, so staff and employees can continue to use it safely. Aligning these practical governance strategies with the business goals of the company is paramount, policies also need to be designed with the necessary flexibility and agility to adapt to the constantly evolving AI technology.

Unfortunately, Shadow AI is a very real threat, one that construction professionals cannot afford to ignore. If they act now though, the potential threat can be turned around into strategic opportunities where employees are trusted to use the very best AI offers to make their work more creative, safer and efficient.

Turn a hidden risk into a strategic advantage

Construction leaders keen to learn more about understanding and responding to the hidden use of unsanctioned AI tools in organisations now have the opportunity to take Synergie Training’s course, Shadow AI in Organisations: Risks, Detection, and Responsible Enablement