AI notetakers, which use artificial intelligence to transcribe and summarize virtual meetings, are gaining popularity for their efficiency. But security and privacy experts are sounding alarms about the risks these tools introduce to organizations.
The software turns all spoken content into data, potentially capturing confidential personnel information, corporate strategies, trade secrets, and remarks that could be incriminating. Amy Dufrane, CEO of HR certification provider HRCI, warned that the risks to organizations are substantial. "I don't think companies should use it at all," she said.
These tools rely on speech recognition and large language models to record and summarize conversations. While they promise time savings and improved participation, professionals across multiple fields are advising caution. The primary concern centers on data security — specifically, uncertainty about where meeting recordings and transcripts are stored and who has access to them.
Despite the convenience, the technology's ability to convert speech into searchable, shareable data creates a lasting digital record that could be breached, subpoenaed, or misused. For companies handling sensitive information, the trade-off between productivity and privacy may not be worth it.
Counter-argument: Proponents argue that AI notetakers often include enterprise-grade encryption and compliance features, and that responsible use with clear policies can mitigate most risks. Some providers allow on-premise deployment or data deletion options to address privacy concerns.