GenAI Usage
What is Generative AI (GenAI)?
Generative AI refers to AI systems that can generate new content such as text, images, code, audio, or videos.
Examples:
ChatGPT, Gemini → text generation
GitHub Copilot → code assistance
DALL·E, Midjourney → image generation
Why Ethical Usage of GenAI Is Important
GenAI is powerful and widely accessible.
If misused, it can cause:
Academic dishonesty
Spread of misinformation
Privacy violations
Copyright issues
Therefore, GenAI must be used responsibly and ethically.
Ethical Guidelines for GenAI Usage
Use GenAI for Learning, Not Cheating
GenAI can help understand concepts
GenAI should not replace individual thinking
Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own is unethical
Avoid Plagiarism
Copy-pasting AI output is plagiarism
AI content should be rewritten and understood
Proper acknowledgment should be given when AI is used
Verify AI-Generated Information
GenAI may produce incorrect or outdated content
Users must cross-check facts using trusted sources
Protect Privacy and Personal Data
Do not share sensitive data such as phone numbers, Aadhaar details, passwords, or personal photos
GenAI systems store and process user inputs
Avoid Harmful or Abusive Content
GenAI should not be used to create hate speech, threats, or misleading content
Ethical responsibility lies with the user
Respect Copyright and Intellectual Property
AI-generated content may resemble copyrighted work
Users must avoid copying or distributing protected material without permission.
Follow Institutional and Legal Policies
Colleges and universities define acceptable AI usage
Students must follow academic guidelines
Risks of Misusing Generative AI
Although Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and DALL·E are useful, misusing them can lead to serious ethical, academic, and legal problems.
Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct
Plagiarism occurs when AI-generated content is submitted as one’s own work.
Using GenAI to complete assignments or exams without acknowledgment is considered academic dishonesty.
Example: Copy-pasting answers from ChatGPT into assignments.
Impact:
Loss of academic integrity
Disciplinary action by institutions
Fake News and Misinformation
GenAI can generate incorrect or misleading information that appears convincing.
If shared without verification, it can spread false news rapidly.
Example: AI generating false historical facts or fake medical advice.
Impact:
Public confusion
Loss of trust in information sources
Deepfake Creation
Deepfakes are AI-generated images, videos, or audio that falsely represent real people.
These can be used to spread false information or damage reputations.
Example: Fake videos of public figures saying things they never said.
Impact:
Identity misuse
Social and legal harm
Violation of Copyright
GenAI may generate content similar to copyrighted material such as books, music, or images.
Using or distributing such content without permission violates intellectual property rights.
Example: Using AI-generated art that closely resembles a copyrighted image.
Impact:
Legal consequences
Ethical misuse of creative work
Privacy Breaches
Sharing personal or sensitive data with GenAI tools can lead to misuse or leakage of information.
Once data is shared, it cannot be fully controlled or deleted.
Example: Entering phone numbers, Aadhaar details, or private photos into AI tools.
Impact:
Identity theft
Loss of personal privacy