Tech Tips from our LSPs: Data Do’s and Don’ts for AI

When it comes to using AI tools,

Protect UVA data

data safety is non-negotiable. Think of it like this: if you wouldn’t post it on a public website, don’t paste it into an AI prompt.

UVA’s licensed Generative AI tools (Copilot Chat and Copilot for Microsoft 365) include contractual data protection of university information. With appropriately licensed tools, “Sensitive” data may be used in chat prompts. “Highly Sensitive” data, as explicitly defined in the University Data Protection Standards, cannot be included in chat prompts.

UVA staff can use an approved, licensed version of Microsoft’s CoPilot. All info about Microsoft CoPilot at UVA and a form to submit a request for a license can be found here

 Do:

• Use AI with information that is general, public, or non-sensitive
• Share outlines, drafts, or generic text for editing or brainstorming
• Ask AI for help with style, formatting, or idea-generation
• Use Caution with names, numbers, or details ( strip them out or replace them with placeholders if you’re testing an idea).)

Don’t:

• Enter restricted or confidential University data (budgets, salaries, grades, health records, SSNs, etc.).
• Paste in drafts of sensitive reports, agreements, or contracts.
• Upload or copy/paste emails that include private or identifiable details.
• Assume the tool is “private” (many AI systems store prompts for training or troubleshooting).

Treat AI like an external consultant. Share what helps you get useful results, but never what could put UVA Finance’s data or reputation at risk.

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Read more:  https://genai.provost.virginia.edu/guidance-for-faculty-students / Safely Using Gen AI at UVA