- Senior leaders are twice as likely as other employees to use unapproved shadow AI tools
- Leaders often bypass security protocols to prioritize personal productivity over company compliance.
- Double standards in the use of AI create significant governance and security risks
Amid ongoing top-down efforts to strengthen security as companies deploy AI more widely, a new study from TrustedTech finds that it’s the meeting room that could be responsible for some of the most common security mistakes.
The report reveals that three in five senior executives (62%) admit to using shadow AI, exactly double the number of non-decision-making employees (31%).
As executives impose AI security measures on their employees, including listing approved AI tools, TrustedTech’s research suggests their behavior may not be accidental – as the report indicates they are fully aware of governance risks and are deliberately circumventing controls in favor of productivity rather than compliance.
Top leaders use AI with a double standard
More than a quarter (28%) of senior decision-makers even admitted that they would continue to use AI tools, even if their employer banned them or disciplinary measures were imposed. Once again, a figure higher than that of all employees (22%).
Although use of shadow AI at senior levels is high, half (51%) say they are concerned about employees doing the same thing. TrustedTech says this imposes double standards and inconsistencies in governance that ultimately make workers less likely to follow the rules.
“When this behavior is modeled at the top of an organization, it becomes much more difficult to apply governance elsewhere in the company,” wrote visionary director Julian Hamood.
Workers want AI, but the current setup is holding them back
However, governance and security may not be the biggest barriers to membership: workers are constantly unhappy with the tools they are given. The report blames pressure on productivity and limitations on access. One in four (24%) say employer-approved AI tools are too limited, and 21% agree that unofficial tools are more effective.
The report also reveals slow adoption among non-decision workers due to organizational and cultural concerns: 28% worry that employers will monitor tool usage, 23% reduce their use due to perception issues, and 21% admit to judging their colleagues negatively for relying heavily on AI.
Additionally, one in five people said they were concerned that the use of AI could negatively impact their career advancement opportunities.
Conversely, the group that uses shadow AI the most – senior executives – has a disproportionately high risk surface. This is due to their access to sensitive data in financial systems, HR and payroll information, customer data, legal and regulatory documents, etc.
With seven in ten believing AI has a positive impact on team performance, with 54% saving at least three hours per week and 27% saving five or more hours per week, it’s clear that workers have an appetite for AI.
TrustedTech has criticized companies for not being clear enough, with many still lacking formal AI policies, lists of approved tools and sufficient training initiatives.
“The findings highlight the urgent need for organizations to rethink their approach to AI governance, with a focus on leadership accountability, clearer usage policies, and better education around safe and responsible adoption of AI,” Hamood added.
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