Safer Internet Day 2026 shines a spotlight on a topic that’s becoming impossible for businesses to ignore: the safe and responsible use of AI.
AI tools are now embedded in everyday business operations – from marketing and customer support to data analysis and recruitment. While these technologies offer huge benefits, they also introduce new risks around privacy, trust, misinformation and compliance. Safer Internet Day is a timely reminder that how organisations use AI matters just as much as whether they use it at all.
AI Is Now a Business Responsibility, Not Just a Tech Choice
Many organisations adopt AI tools quickly to stay competitive, often without fully considering the wider implications. However, customers, regulators and employees are increasingly aware of how AI systems can affect fairness, transparency and data protection.
Responsible AI use is no longer a “nice to have”. It’s a core part of:
- Digital trust
- Brand reputation
- Cybersecurity and data protection
- Legal and regulatory compliance
Safer Internet Day encourages businesses to pause, reflect and ensure their AI use aligns with ethical and safety standards.
Key AI Risks Businesses Should Be Aware Of
While AI can improve efficiency and decision-making, it also brings specific online safety risks, including:
- Data privacy concerns: AI tools often rely on large datasets, which may include personal or sensitive information.
- Bias and discrimination: Poorly trained AI systems can reinforce existing biases in hiring, lending or customer interactions.
- Misinformation and accuracy: AI-generated content can appear authoritative while still being incorrect or misleading.
- Security vulnerabilities: AI systems can be exploited or manipulated if not properly governed.
- Lack of transparency: Customers may not realise when AI is being used to make decisions that affect them.
Addressing these risks proactively helps businesses avoid reputational damage and regulatory issues down the line.
Practical Steps for Responsible AI Use
Safer Internet Day 2026 is a great opportunity for organisations to review their current approach to AI. Practical steps include:
1. Create clear AI usage policies: Define how AI tools can and cannot be used across the business, including data handling and decision-making boundaries.
2. Be transparent with customers and staff: Clearly communicate when AI is being used, especially in customer-facing services or automated decision processes.
3. Prioritise data protection: Ensure AI tools comply with GDPR and other relevant data protection regulations, and avoid inputting sensitive data into unsecured platforms.
4. Review and audit AI outputs: AI should support human decision-making, not replace it entirely. Regular oversight reduces the risk of errors or bias.
5. Educate employees: Training staff on AI literacy helps them understand both the benefits and the risks, leading to safer and more effective use.
Responsible AI Is About Reducing Real Business Risk
Recent research and industry experience show that AI risks aren’t theoretical – they’re already costing organisations money.
Speaking on a recent episode of the AI Ireland podcast, Elizabeth Daly, Senior Technical Staff Member and Research Manager at IBM Research, highlighted that findings from surveys saw 99% of CEOs reported experiencing financial losses linked to AI-related risks, with many losses reaching seven figures.
These risks often stem from issues such as:
- AI hallucinations producing incorrect or misleading outputs
- Prompt injection or misuse of generative AI tools
- Bias in recruitment, decision-making or customer communications
- Inconsistent definitions of “risk” across teams and systems
Crucially, Elizabeth noted that many organisations still treat responsible AI as a static policy -locked away in PDFs, white papers or slide decks – rather than something embedded directly into day-to-day workflows.
Better User Experience Leads to Safer AI
One of the most powerful insights from the podcast was that responsible AI doesn’t have to slow innovation. In fact, it can actively support it.
Well-designed AI systems can nudge users towards safer choices, for example:
- Suggesting more inclusive language in recruitment emails
- Warning users when prompts may introduce bias or risk
- Guiding teams towards safer data usage before problems arise
These kinds of guardrails don’t block creativity – they prevent costly mistakes before they happen, protecting both organisations and the people affected by AI decisions.
Elizabeth stated: “If we can create a great user experience that nudges people towards more responsible AI use, we’re saving organisations from costly mistakes without limiting innovation.”
Safer Internet Day 2026: A Moment to Act
Safer Internet Day 2026 provides a valuable checkpoint for businesses to assess how AI fits into their digital strategy. Reviewing policies, improving transparency and investing in education today can help organisations build safer, more sustainable AI practices for the future.
Call to Action
If you’d like to delve deeper into how these trends can reshape your organisation, we would be delighted to discuss them in more detail. Invite Mark Kelly, Founder of AI Ireland, to speak at your next team meeting, conference or strategy session. We can explore practical ways to harness AI responsibly, meet sustainability goals, and navigate the evolving consumer landscape. Let’s work together to ensure Ireland remains at the vanguard of innovation in 2026 – and beyond.
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