Several alert members of the UW community recently reported Read AI to UW-IT’s Office of Information Security after the tool appeared in meetings to the surprise of meeting participants. After investigating the reports, researching the functionality of the tool, engaging with other higher-ed institutions, and exploring options with Read AI, UW-IT analysts and leaders determined that blocking Read AI’s integrations to UW Zoom and MS Teams is necessary to protect institutional data.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by disabling Read AI. We trust you to understand that protecting sensitive data must be UW-IT’s top priority, shared with and supported by all in the UW community.
What is Read AI?
Read AI can join, transcribe, and summarize their users’ online meetings even when the users are not in attendance, and without the awareness or consent of other attendees. In addition, meeting summaries provided by Read AI may be shared automatically with meeting participants. These and other risks necessitate the action taken.
Why is UW-IT blocking Read AI?
We understand that Read AI provides a useful service as a meeting assistant through access to the transcript, chat and files. Unfortunately, the tool is associated with security and privacy risks to institutional data. In addition, once Read AI is associated with your calendar, it can join, transcribe, and summarize your online meetings even if you are not in attendance, and without other attendees’ awareness or consent. Unless Read AI is configured properly, meeting summaries provided by Read AI may be shared automatically with meeting participants.
What can you use instead of Read AI?
UW-IT is working to bring other solutions—from trusted partners and from innovators—that meet UW-IT’s security and privacy standards. We will communicate approved replacements as soon as they are validated. Please do not add AI meeting assistants without consulting with UW-IT.
In the meantime, ensure that the tools you use comport with UW policies and standards. Consult our guidelines to ensure you’ve addressed all the critical concerns. Contact UW-IT at help@uw.edu if you have any uncertainty about a tool or its use.
Be considerate of your fellow users. Recording or transcribing a meeting may surprise other participants. If you feel a need to record or transcribe, ensure that you obtain consent from all participants first.
What if you need help disabling Read AI?
If you need assistance with the removal process or have concerns about the impact on your work, please review the instructions on Read AI’s site. If you need additional support, contact the UW-IT Service Center at help@uw.edu or 206-221-5000.
What steps is UW-IT taking?
- UW-IT investigated the security and privacy risks associated with Read AI and explored options.
- UW-IT contacted the vendor to request enhanced privacy protection measures.
- UW-IT sent a message to users who activated Read AI integration.
- On Tuesday, January 21, UW-IT will block the ability to integrate Read AI with Teams in the UW network. The integration with Zoom has already been blocked.
- UW-IT is communicating broadly about the risks presented by Read AI.
- UW-IT is developing an approach for addressing similar applications and will discourage people from installing similar AI tools that have not been vetted and approved by UW-IT.
- UW-IT is actively evaluating alternative solutions that meet UW-IT’s security standards. We will communicate approved replacements as soon as they are validated.