Breda University Trains Students in AI Ethics Following Privacy Incidents
Breda, woensdag, 9 juli 2025.
Following incidents where staff members entered business-sensitive information into ChatGPT, Breda University of Applied Sciences is launching a new training programme. This programme focuses on AI literacy and ethics to prevent privacy issues and increase awareness. It is a response to the growing use of AI in the workplace and the need to be well-prepared for it.
Response to Privacy Incidents
Breda University of Applied Sciences has decided to launch a new training programme for students and staff, focusing on AI literacy and AI ethics. This training is a direct response to incidents where staff members inadvertently entered business-sensitive information into ChatGPT, causing serious privacy issues. One such incident even led to the dismissal of a staff member after he entered business-sensitive information into ChatGPT [1].
Objective of the Training
The aim of the new training is to promote increased awareness and better practices around AI. This is particularly important given the rapid increase in AI usage in the workplace. Despite this growth, many HR professionals and staff members are still unaware of the European AI Act, the guideline that organisations must comply with [1]. This legislation sets requirements for the safety and transparency of AI systems, including prohibited AI systems and requirements for large AI models.
Practical Examples of AI Applications
AI is already widely used in various sectors, including HR. For example, 45 percent of HR professionals and departments use AI for tasks such as drafting job profiles (22 percent), automatically generating documents (19 percent), and answering recurring questions (17 percent) [1]. While AI offers significant benefits, such as efficiency and consistency, there are also concerns about privacy and the security of sensitive HR data. These concerns are reflected in the fact that 34 percent of HR professionals are hesitant to use AI [1].
AI in Modern Information and Public Communication
The role of AI in modern information and public communication is becoming increasingly important. Specific applications include personalised information provision, chatbots for public services, and AI-driven information campaigns. These applications help reach different target groups, improve information transfer, and measure the effectiveness of campaigns. For example, chatbots can be available 24/7 to answer questions and provide customer service, while personalised information provision ensures that users receive the most relevant information [GPT].
Benefits and Challenges
AI offers significant advantages, such as the ability to quickly analyse large amounts of data and generate insights. This can lead to more targeted and effective communication. Additionally, AI can help make complex information accessible to diverse audiences by simplifying and visualising information. However, there are also challenges, such as privacy concerns, inclusivity, and the reliability of AI-driven information. It is crucial that organisations take these challenges seriously and adopt transparent and responsible practices [GPT].
Examples of Successful AI Applications
There are already several successful implementations of AI in information and public communication. For example, the municipality of Amsterdam uses chatbots to inform citizens about local regulations and services. These chatbots have strengthened the interaction between government and citizens and improved access to information. Another example is the healthcare sector, where AI is used to provide patients with personal advice based on their medical data, improving the quality of care [GPT].
Conclusion
The new training programme at Breda University of Applied Sciences is an important step towards responsible and secure AI usage. By equipping students and staff with knowledge of AI ethics, the risk of privacy incidents is reduced, and a foundation is laid for responsible AI applications in the future. It is essential that other institutions and organisations follow suit and also commit to AI literacy and ethics [1].