Module 13 Discussion: Data Use Policies and AI in Practice

Please submit all graded work via Canvas. Participation requirements and grading details are provided in Canvas.

This week focuses on AI governance and policy. In practice, rules about AI use are often closely tied to rules about data use. Different organizations, professions, and institutions may have different policies about what data can be used, how it can be shared, and whether it can be used with AI tools.

This discussion asks you to examine a real AI use policy in a specific organizational or professional context, and analyze how it shapes the use of AI.

Step 1: Describe the context

Before looking at a policy, briefly describe the context in which it applies.

This may include:

  • the type of organization (e.g., university, company, library, government agency)
  • what the organization does
  • what kinds of data it typically works with
  • how AI tools might be used in that context (e.g., writing, analysis, decision support, automation)

The goal is to make clear what kind of environment the policy is designed for.

Step 2: Identify a relevant AI use policy

Use only publicly available information. Do not include confidential or sensitive data from your workplace.

First, look for an AI use policy that applies directly to the organization or context you described in Step 1.

If your organization does not have a clearly defined AI use policy, look for one from a similar organization or professional context (e.g., another university, library, company, or government agency with comparable work and data practices).

If you cannot find a formal policy, you may instead:

  • infer what restrictions likely exist based on the type of data and work involved
  • consult someone in your organization (e.g., supervisor, instructor, IT staff, or policy-related role)
  • reflect on informal or implicit rules about AI use in your environment

Briefly describe:

  • what the policy is and where it comes from (include a link if possible; use only publicly available sources or describe policies in general terms without sharing confidential information)
  • what kinds of AI use it addresses (e.g., writing, research, data analysis, decision-making)
  • what rules or restrictions it sets for using AI
  • whether this is a formal policy, an external reference, or your own inferred/observed guidelines

Step 3: Analyze how the policy affects AI use

Explain how this policy shapes or limits the use of AI tools in this context.

You may consider questions such as:

  • Are there restrictions on how AI tools can be used (e.g., for writing, analysis, or decision-making)?
  • What kinds of AI use are clearly allowed or not allowed?
  • What data can you share with AI?
  • Does the policy address issues such as privacy, confidentiality, ownership, or security?
  • Does it create uncertainty about what is acceptable?

Focus on how the policy translates into actual decisions about whether and how AI can be used.

Step 4: Reflect on implications for practice

Discuss what this means for real-world use of AI.

You may consider:

  • How easy or difficult is it to follow this policy in practice?
  • Are the rules clear, realistic, or overly restrictive?
  • What risks does the policy try to prevent?
  • Are there gaps or areas that are not well addressed?

You may also use this as an opportunity to reflect on your own context:

  • In your daily work, study, or future career, what kinds of data are appropriate to use with AI tools?
  • What kinds of data should not be used, and why?

The goal is to show careful reasoning about how AI use policies shape AI use in real contexts.

Expected outcome

Your post should demonstrate:

  • Ability to identify and interpret a real AI use policy
  • Understanding of how AI policies affect AI use in practice
  • Awareness that AI use rules are context-dependent
  • Thoughtful reflection on what is appropriate or inappropriate use of AI in real situations