Last week, Information Technology Services (ITS) announced that AI features were enabled in Zoom. As a follow-up, it is important to understand how to use tools like Zoom AI Companion responsibly and in accordance with George Mason University and state policies.

The Zoom AI Companion features are automatically off and must be enabled by the user. Do not enable/use Zoom AI Companion in meetings where protected categories of information will be shared/discussed. As a reminder, per University Policy Number 1114 (Data Stewardship), protected categories include ‘Highly Sensitive Data’ and ‘Restricted Data.’ For examples of information that may constitute these two categories, please refer to 1114_Appendix_A_v040924.pdf.

It is critical to manage your settings appropriately. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Understand Your Settings: Familiarize yourself with the AI settings within Zoom. Ensure you understand what features are enabled and how they function. This will help you use the tool effectively and avoid any unintended consequences. If you enable AI Companion features to start automatically, they are available for use in all the meetings you host unless you turn them off.
• Review Generated Content: Always review all AI-generated content before sharing it with others, including transcriptions, summaries, and any other outputs. If you enable any of the Zoom AI Companion features in meetings in which you are the host, it is your responsibility to review all recordings and summaries generated by Zoom AI tools for accuracy and completeness and to correct any obvious errors or inaccuracies.
• Adhere to University Policies: Use Zoom AI Companion in a manner that complies with George Mason policies on data privacy, academic integrity, and responsible communication. Misuse of AI tools can lead to serious consequences, including privacy breaches and academic misconduct. For more guidance on using AI at George Mason, see ITS Guidance on Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools for Administrative Purposes at Mason.

By following these guidelines, we can leverage the benefits of the Zoom AI Companion while maintaining a safe and responsible learning environment.

To learn more about Zoom AI Companion, please visit About Zoom AI Companion. To get started using Zoom AI Companion, see Getting Started with Zoom AI Companion.

If you have questions about Zoom AI Companion or your George Mason Zoom license, please contact ITS Support at 703-993-8870 or submit a ticket.