AI – Emerging Considerations with Artificial Intelligence

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 10:22 am

OASIS IRB Support

June 7, 2024

As of the writing of this, the IRB process at UNC-Chapel Hill does not include language pertaining to the use of GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) with research data. You can see an example of the section it might go below:

image of the IRB submission form with methods used in study. A.4.6

Even though it is not listed there at this time, it is permitted to use the campus instance of Copilot with Tier 2 data only.

 

From the following link here are some important guidelines

(Microsoft Copilot with Data Protection (formerly Bing Chat Enterprise) – Information Technology Services (unc.edu))

AI tools do not change the rules about safeguarding data at our institution. Your obligations under grants, contracts, data use agreements or other external obligations remain the same. Additionally:

  • Do not use AI tools for protected health information (PHI), or data subject to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), or Tier 3 data.
  • While Copilot with Data Protection has the appropriate safeguards for Tier 1 and Tier 2 data, do check to make sure any external obligation, data management plans, or system security plans allow for the use of this tool. Those obligations would override any “safe for Tier 1 or Tier 2” designation.
  • When in doubt whether something is appropriate, ask. Err on the side of caution until you are certain.