Deloitte Australia Bans Staff from Using ChatGPT Over Data Leak Fears
Australian Financial Review
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Details
- Date Published
- 24 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 25 Feb 2026, 03:00 am
Description
In an extraordinary email, the firm said the audit division was “considerably out of step with the rest of the firm” when it came to protecting information.
Summary
Deloitte Australia has prohibited its staff from uploading confidential data to ChatGPT and other AI platforms, citing concerns over data leaks and potential damage to client relations. The decision aligns with the need for stringent data protection protocols within the company, particularly amidst increased reliance on digital tools. This move highlights ongoing corporate challenges in balancing AI innovation with privacy and security concerns. The article underscores the significance of establishing robust governance frameworks to manage AI data security, a crucial aspect of ensuring organizational trust and compliance in a rapidly evolving global AI landscape.
Body
CompaniesProfessional ServicesBig four consultantsPrint articleEdmund TadrosProfessional services editorFeb 24, 2026 – 8.00pmDeloitte Australia has ordered partners and staff to stop uploading confidential data into ChatGPT and other publicly available artificial intelligence platforms, warning that it risked the leak of private information and could damage the firm’s relationship with clients.In an email sent across the firm’s auditing division this month, partners and staff were also warned to stop sending client and firm files to personal email accounts, adding that managing the risk that information would be misused was taking up a significant amount of time.Loading...Edmund Tadros leads our coverage of the professional services sector. He is based in our Sydney newsroom. Email Edmund at edmundtadros@afr.com.auSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreBig four consultantsDeloitteAIConsultingFetching latest articles