Browser-Based AI Tools: How To Reduce Data Leak Risks

InnovationBrowser-Based AI Tools: How To Reduce Data Leak RisksByExpert Panel®,Forbes Councils Member.for Forbes Technology CouncilCOUNCIL POSTExpertise from Forbes Councils members, operated under license. Opinions expressed are those of the author. | Membership (fee-based)May 13, 2026, 01:15pm EDT gettyBrowser-based AI tools can streamline workflows, making it much easier for employees to summarize documents, draft content and streamline daily tasks. However, without clear safeguards, sensitive company information can be exposed through prompts, file uploads or integrations employees may not fully understand. And since many of these tools are easy to access outside traditional IT oversight, it can be difficult to track and manage their usage.The challenge for leaders is reducing the risk of exposure while helping employees continue to realize the daily productivity benefits of AI. Below, members of Forbes Technology Council share steps organizations can take to reduce the risk of data leaks through AI tools accessed via web browsers.Proxy AI Access Through Internal SystemsAccess to AI tools in an enterprise setting could be proxied through internal systems. Sensitive content can be tagged using intelligently trained models that can detect org-sensitive information. This could be really expensive, both in terms of cost and latency. But what’s costlier than frontier labs knowing your sensitive data? - Sriharsha Setty, Scalarity AIDevelop An Acceptable AI Use PolicyStart with an “Acceptable Use of AI” policy. Define approved tools, ban sensitive data (such as customer info, code and financials), and require review of outputs. Then enforce it: Train employees and require company-owned AI accounts only. No personal logins for work. This gives you control and visibility and reduces data leak risk. - Rob Black, Fractional CISOForbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?Combine Data Governanc...