AI tools can save hours, but they also make it easy to share information you should not, or to rely on an answer you have not checked. A few simple habits keep you safe and keep your work trustworthy.
Before you paste: the traffic-light test
The biggest risk with public AI tools is what you put into them. Before you paste anything, decide which colour it is.
After you get an answer: check it
AI can sound confident and still be wrong. It can invent figures, names and sources. Treat every answer as a draft written by a helpful colleague who sometimes makes things up.
| Check | Ask yourself |
|---|---|
| Facts and numbers | Can I confirm these in a trusted source? |
| Sources and quotes | Do they really exist, and do they say this? |
| Tone and fit | Is it right for this audience and situation? |
| Bias and fairness | Could this unfairly describe or exclude anyone? |
Stay accountable
If your name is on the work, you are responsible for it, whoever or whatever drafted it. Keep a record of how AI helped on important pieces, and be open with colleagues when it did.
Key takeaways
- Use the traffic-light test before pasting anything into an AI tool.
- Never share personal, customer or confidential information in public tools.
- Verify facts, figures and sources before you rely on them.
- You remain responsible for the final result.
Use AI with confidence
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