Using public generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools safely
This document provides basic guidance for using public generative artificial intelligence tools safely within the NSW Government. It highlights ethical, privacy, and security risks and outlines clear 'Do' and 'Don't' rules for government personnel. Users are advised to fact-check outputs, protect sensitive data, and adhere to internal agency policies.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
NSW Government employees and public sector workers who are considering or currently using public generative AI tools.
What the document contains
The document covers basic safety rules, security precautions, and practical 'Do's and 'Don'ts' for public sector employees utilizing public generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini.
There are no detailed technical definitions of generative AI models, formal regulatory enforcement mechanisms, or legal penalty structures for non-compliance.
- Users should follow their entity's internal policies on public generative AI tools in the first instance.
- Always fact check and verify AI outputs before using them for any official purpose.
- Never disclose or input personal, official, sensitive, classified, or health information into public AI tools.
- Do not use AI-generated code in government systems or input government code into external AI tools.
- Disable training, logging, and chat history features where possible, and enable multifactor authentication.
· What is a public generative AI tool? · What should you do? · Do and Don't guidance
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
0/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
0/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
0/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Fact check and verify outputs before using for any official purpose.
Do
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
Disclose or input personal, official, sensitive, classified or health information.
Don’t
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Reference any AI-generated content.
Do
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Users should follow their entity’s internal policies on public generative AI tools in the first instance.
What should you do?
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
they also introduce ethical, privacy and security risks that should be considered and addressed prior to use.
What is a public generative AI tool?
screening score · 2026-10-23