Almost half of Dutch employees use private AI for work

The Cybersecurity Behavior Research Alert Online 2026 shows that 49 percent of Dutch employees regularly use private AI tools for work purposes. The study reveals a gap between the use of AI in the workplace and the company agreements regarding its use. Only 39 percent of employees are aware of which AI tools have been approved by their organization, leading to confusion about what is accepted and what is not.

A concerning result is that 35 percent of employees report using AI without permission or notification to their employer. This phenomenon, often referred to as shadow AI, refers to the use of AI tools outside the set guidelines of an organization. This can involve summarizing internal documents via personal AI accounts, which poses potential security risks.

The study shows that there is a correlation between the understanding of permitted tools and the use of private accounts. Employees who are better informed about which AI tools are allowed make less use of personal AI for work purposes. This indicates the need for clear communication from organizations regarding their AI policy. Additionally, employees are more likely to use private AI when they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.

Nevertheless, the research states that entering information into AI tools is not necessarily unsafe in itself. The risk depends on the type of data and the tool used. It underscores the importance of creating approved AI environments and providing clear guidelines to employees. The study calls on organizations to not only formulate rules but also to offer useful tools and support for the safe use of AI.

Read the full article from AI Insider.