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Aussie Workers’ Dirty AI Secret Which Could Cost Them Their Job

The Mercury

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Description

New research has found more than two-thirds of Australians are secretly using AI at work in breach of company policy, with experts warning the practice could lead to them getting sacked.

Summary

Recent research indicates that over two-thirds of Australian employees are clandestinely using AI tools in the workplace, frequently bypassing official company policies. This trend of 'shadow AI' usage highlights a significant disconnect between workforce adoption and organizational governance frameworks. While the article focuses primarily on employment risks and data privacy within firms, the widespread unmanaged deployment of AI models by untrained users presents broader systemic risks regarding data security and the erosion of human oversight in professional workflows. Such behavior emphasizes the urgent need for robust Australian AI safety standards and governance protocols to manage the integration of frontier capabilities in the private sector.

Body

Aussie workers’ dirty AI secret which could cost them their jobNew research has found more than two-thirds of Australians are secretly using AI at work in breach of company policy, with experts warning the practice could lead to them getting sacked. All your news for a great price Unlock this story and more with your subscription Full Digital Access What’s included Unlimited articles on app & web Subscriber-exclusive newsletters A digital version of Today’s Paper A refreshed puzzle experience SuperCoach Plus stats & analysis while playing Full digital access to the Herald Sun included Pay As You Go No lock-in contract $4 for 4 weeksThen $32 charged every 4 weeks.* *Read the fine print Full Digital Access $4 charged for a duration of 4 weeks, after which it automatically renews at $32 charged every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. New customers only. Prices after any early discounted periods may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. 12 Month Plan Lock in and save $128 over 12 months^ $5 a week for 12 months($260 min. cost) charged as $20 every 4 weeks. Then $20 charged every 4 weeks.* ^Discount calculated in comparison to the Pay As You Go Offer on this page. *Read the fine print Full Digital Access 12 Month Plan costs $260 (min. cost) for the first 12 months, charged as $20 every 4 weeks. This automatically renews after the first 12 months to be charged as $20 (min. cost) every 4 weeks. Renewals occur unless cancelled as per full Terms and Conditions. No cancellations during the first 12 months. Each payment, once made, is non-refundable, subject to law. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Prices after the first 12 months may be varied as per full Terms and Conditions. See www.themercury.com.au/subscriptionterms for full details. Subscribe Other subscription options Print + Digital Subscriptions Corporate Subscriptions Your Selection: $0 Your Selection – Change selection Today’s Total $0 Read the fine print Terms and Conditions Sorry, we are unable to process your request at this time. Please try again later.