SK hynix pivots on AI restrictions with integration of external models 

SK hynix is set to implement external AI tools across their workplaces, an initiative preceded by its rival Samsung Electronics.

The companies had previously restricted the use of external AI services over concerns about technology and information leaks, but they are now moving to integrate cutting-edge AI models developed by global technology companies into a wide range of business functions.

SK hynix is pushing ahead with plans to adopt generative AI services, including OpenAI's ChatGPT, industry sources said Friday.

The initiative was shared by SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung during a town hall meeting on Thursday, where SK Group executives and employees discussed how work should evolve in the era of AI.

“We are reviewing the introduction of Microsoft 365 and Copilot, and are also evaluating the potential use of ChatGPT Enterprise within the company,” Kwak said.

“We plan to gradually introduce external AI tools in areas that aren't related to national core technologies, and expand the use over time,” Kwak added, referring to technology designated by the government to have national security and economic value. “In the era of AI, what matters is not who knows more, but who learns and adapts faster. We need to redesign our work alongside AI.”

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won also emphasized AI-driven innovation in his New Year's message, saying the company should “ride the powerful winds of AI-driven change and boldly navigate the rough waves of the global market.”

Samsung is also stepping up efforts to incorporate AI into daily operations.

Its Device eXperience division, which oversees consumer electronics and mobile businesses, officially introduced ChatGPT, Google's Gemini Enterprise and Anthropic's Claude into its internal work systems on Thursday.

Employees will be able to choose the AI model best suited to their work, while also having access to Gauss, an AI platform developed in-house.

Samsung's Device Solutions division, which oversees the company's semiconductor business, is also accelerating AI adoption.

In addition to Anthropic's Claude, which is already in use internally, the division began providing employees with access to ChatGPT on Friday. It plans to introduce Google's Gemini later this year.

Industry observers say the changes reflect Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong's call in his New Year's message to “fundamentally transform the organization's DNA.”

Other companies have also been using AI tools in their daily work.

A total of 79.5 percent of respondents in a survey of 327 conglomerates, small- and medium-sized enterprises and public organizations said they introduced AI tools in their work or are planning to do so. The research was conducted by Hankook Public Opinion Research in May on behalf of the JoongAng Ilbo.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos also expressed optimism about AI's impact on the economy.

"The people who are jumping to the conclusion that the jobs are all going to go away […] I think these people are just wrong," Bezos said in an interview with the Financial Times on Thursday, adding, “We're in the middle of multiple golden ages right now, certainly with AI.”

BY KIM SU-MIN [[email protected]]