Almost half of Belgian executives use artificial intelligence at work without management’s permission. Additionally, 18 percent even use tools that have not been approved.
The rise of artificial intelligence in the business world is undeniable. Research by Inetum shows that 68 percent of Belgian executives already actively use AI, but often outside official frameworks. So-called ‘shadow AI’ not only puts governance under pressure but also increases cybersecurity risks.
In a short time, AI has become an indispensable tool in the Belgian business world. The study shows that 68 percent of executives now use the technology, with a peak of 76 percent at companies with more than 250 employees. Younger executives (under 45 years old) in particular use AI frequently: 30 percent do so daily.
AI in secret
The benefits are evident: 75 percent notice an increase in productivity, while 64 percent experience better working conditions. Yet a quarter of users feel no impact at all, suggesting that AI is still often used for simple tasks.
Despite broad adoption, shadow AI remains a structural problem. 47 percent of executives use AI without management’s knowledge, while 18 percent even use unapproved tools. Among younger executives, the latter figure rises to 27 percent. At the same time, six out of ten executives are concerned about cyberattacks, a risk that shadow AI only increases.
Shadow AI disrupts corporate policy and security
The popularity of secret AI use is not just a governance issue, but also a cybersecurity risk. Uncontrolled AI use can lead to data breaches, unapproved software, and unpredictable errors in business-critical processes. According to Inetum, many employees primarily use AI for routine tasks such as rewriting emails or summarizing meetings, while the real added value lies in strategic applications such as decision support and knowledge sharing.
The discrepancy between usage and official support is striking. At medium-sized companies (10-250 employees), as many as 55 percent use AI in secret, underlining the need for robust corporate guidelines. “AI use should be encouraged, but within safe boundaries,” says Jouri Goos, Head of Consulting at Inetum Belgium.
To reap the benefits of AI without increasing risks, Inetum provides five simple tips. First, basic security must be in order, with multi-factor authentication to block unwanted access. Additionally, access rights must be strictly limited to prevent data breaches. Verification of AI output is essential to avoid errors and outdated information, especially in strategic decisions.