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Acceptable use policy

As explained in Introduction to Generative AI, Second Edition

An acceptable use policy is a set of rules specifying permitted and prohibited uses of a technology or service within an organization.

An acceptable use policy sets rules for permitted and prohibited uses of technology or services within an organization. For generative AI, it governs workplace use alongside privacy and security controls. section 3.17

Early generative AI adoption in 2023 prompted internal guidelines and outright bans, particularly where confidentiality or regulation created high risks. Organizations increasingly moved toward structured governance that combines acceptable use policies with privacy risk assessments, red-teaming, and internal review. section 3.17

Effective policies address:

  • Privacy and security risks, including accidental memorization, generation, or leakage of sensitive information. section 3.17
  • Consent, transparency, accountability, and data governance when AI systems handle student information. section 3.16
  • Compliance with existing privacy frameworks, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and state requirements. section 3.16

How Introduction to Generative AI, Second Edition covers it

How deep it goes
Frames acceptable use as a governance measure but does not specify clause-level requirements or enforcement procedures.
Examples
Uses workplace guidelines and bans, AI-specific corporate policies, and educational institutions’ updated policies as examples.
What it assumes
Assumes organizational use of AI tools and awareness that sensitive or student data may require legal and ethical protections.
What you can do after
Evaluate whether AI use addresses confidentiality, privacy, consent, transparency, accountability, and applicable regulations.
How it connects
Connects acceptable use policies with privacy risk assessments, red-teaming, data governance, consent, FERPA, and vendor agreements.

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Introduction to Generative AI, Second Edition. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.