Problem
Teams adopt ChatGPT and other AI tools faster than policy catches up. Without a simple rule set, employees may paste credentials, customer data, contracts, source material, or regulated information into tools without realizing the risk.
Why it matters in 2026
AI tools are now normal productivity tools, so acceptable use cannot stay buried in a long policy nobody reads.
Who this affects
- Owners allowing staff to use AI tools.
- Managers who need plain-language rules.
- Technical leaders preparing AI guardrails.
Step-by-step recipe
- List data that never belongs in public AI tools.
- Define approved AI use cases.
- Require human review before customer-facing output.
- Document who approves exceptions.
- Keep examples short and specific.
- Review the policy quarterly as tools change.
Common mistakes
- Writing a policy so broad nobody follows it.
- Ignoring screenshots, files, transcripts, and pasted tables.
- Failing to define who approves risky use cases.
Downloads and next steps
Printable PDFDownload AI Acceptable Use PolicyCompanion ProductAI Acceptable Use Policy PackRelated RecipesContinue learningCyberHouse AssessmentGet implementation help
DIY next step
Write a one-page forbidden-data list before writing a long AI governance document.
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