Generative AI at the University

Generative AI applications based on large language models have attracted public attention in recent years. Typical applications include text generation and editing (ChatGPT, Google Gemini) and various image-generation tools (Dall-E, Midjourney). Generative AI can also be used to create and process other types of content. The range of easily accessible tools is growing day by day, which makes it important for all University staff and students to understand how to use them safely and responsibly. 

The responsible use of generative AI requires knowledge of the University’s principles of AI use. Read about the principles of AI use on Flamma

The University of Helsinki has two general-purpose generative AI solutions: Microsoft Copilot with commercial data protection, available for all students and staff members over the age of 18, and CurreChat, which is restricted for use by the staff and for teaching purposes. Both of these are based on OpenAI’s GPT4 language model. In addition, Copilot can be asked to create images using the Dall-E 3 image generation model. Both Copilot and CurreChat are cloud services that are subject to the University of Helsinki’s data protection and information security principles for cloud services. The University’s data protection and information security principles for cloud services are available on Flamma

There are differences in the data protection of the services:

  • Copilot with commercial data protection is a public cloud service provided by Microsoft. While the service is secure from the user’s perspective (conversations are not recorded or used to teach the language model), the language model may be located outside the EU at the time of use, which is why it can only be used to process public or open data. Personal data must not be processed in Copilot. 
  • CurreChat is located in Microsoft’s cloud in the EU. In addition to public and open data, Curre can also be used to process internal data. CurreChat must not be used to process confidential or secret data.

Descriptions of open, public, internal, confidential and secret data are available in the Flamma workgroup area for the development of information management.

CurreChat is available at https://curre.helsinki.fi/chat.

Copilot is available at https://copilot.microsoft.com.

In some cases, it is also possible to use AI solutions external to the University of Helsinki, as long as this is done in accordance with the University’s principles for cloud services and AI. However, please acquaint yourself with the frequently asked questions at the bottom of the page, especially the section on using artificial intelligence services external to the University of Helsinki.

Please contact IT Helpdesk for support with questions related to generative AI. 

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I use generative AI in my work?  

     

    Is it safe to use generative AI?  

     

    How can I start using ChatGPT/generative AI? 

    Please contact IT Helpdesk in questions related to generative AI. 

     

    Is it safe to use CurreChat?

    The University of Helsinki recommends CurreChat as the primary option.

     

    How can I use AI to create images? Does the University have a service for creating images?

    • You can create images in Copilot with commercial data protection. Read more about the service and about creating images in the IT Helpdesk instructions.
    • In addition, there are a number of commercial image generation services for consumers, including Bing Image Creator and Leonardo.ai, the basic versions of which are free of charge, as well as Midjourney, which comes with a fee. However, please note that the University does not support or recommend the use of these services, and you cannot use material such as your work documents as input. If you are considering these consumer services, please see the section on using artificial intelligence services external to the University of Helsinki.

     

    Can I use artificial intelligence services external to the University of Helsinki in my work?

    • Numerous generative AI services for different purposes are currently available online, including ChatGPT, Bing Chat, Google Gemini, Midjourney and Leonardo AI. The University of Helsinki does not support or recommend the use of external AI services in University-related work, but you can test them as a private individual. As a rule, well-known services are safe to use, as long as you pay attention to the following:
      • You must register for the services and accept their terms of use as a private individual. 
      • Read the terms of use carefully. They indicate, for example, the price of the service, who owns the rights to the outputs, whether the outputs can be used in studies or work, and what right the service provider has to utilise your input or the data you generate. Please note that the service provider may have the right to store and utilise all your inputs, for example, to teach the AI model.
      • Do not use any work-related material, licensed material (such as educational material or articles), personal data or sensitive data as input for external AI. Materials that are entirely public and open, and whose licence does not prevent their use are an exception to this.

     

    Does the University have any other generative AI services apart from Copilot with commercial data protection and CurreChat?

    Learn more about the topic

    The following links provide self-study material on the topic:

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