Before You Deploy AI: Key Considerations & Cybersecurity Guidance

AI is not a singular technology. It overlays and interacts with many different technologies and tools we use everyday. Most of us have experienced some of the more common applications of AI integrated into applications we use, such as recommending an email or text message response, suggesting the next word in a sentence you are typing, or web searches that summarize knowledge on a topic as opposed to just a series of links. You also may have interacted with an AI function of a service that you use like a customer support chat. Some may have gone the next step of writing prompts inside an AI chat to explore areas in greater depth or to help generate written or image content.

AI is by far one of the most rapidly adopted transformational technologies ever. According to Microsoft’s Global AI Adoption 2025 Report:

 " Roughly one in six people worldwide are now using generative AI tools, remarkable progress for a technology that only recently entered mainstream use."

Even over the course of this upcoming campaign, we will likely see several new iterations of AI as the tools become more powerful, accessible, and easier to use. It’s highly likely that staff members and volunteers are bringing some experience using AI to your organization. Therefore, campaigns must adopt a thoughtful and proactive approach addressing technological, human, and operational challenges to ensure success and reduce  risk. 

In this section of the toolkit we will address: areas of consideration when implementing AI, basic cybersecurity practices related to AI, and working with vendors implementing AI on your campaign’s behalf.