Most employees say they use AI tools for work that aren't officially approved by their employer, but most also say their direct manager is aware of their use of the unapproved tools, according to recent research from Cyber News.
The report was based on data from a survey conducted in August 2025 among 1,003 adults in the United States who are employed.
Some 59% of respondents say they use AI tools for work that their employer hasn't approved. However, 57% say their direct manager is aware of their use of unapproved AI tools and supports it.
Executives and senior managers are the most likely to say they use unapproved AI tools at work.
Three-quarters of respondents who use unapproved AI tools say they may have shared potentially sensitive information with these tools, such as employee data, customer data, and internal documents.
Some 89% of respondents say they're aware that using AI tools for work comes with risks.
About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted in August 2025 among 1,003 adults in the United States who are employed.
