Securing Business Data: Strategies for Ensuring Accuracy

The utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) for web searches has become prevalent, with over half of us relying on AI tools. However, the persistently low data accuracy of these tools poses new risks for businesses. Generative AI (GenAI) offers efficiency gains, but a recent investigation reveals a discrepancy between user trust and technical accuracy, leading to specific risks for corporate compliance, legal standing, and financial planning.

The adoption of AI tools by the C-suite presents a challenge akin to ‘shadow IT’. A survey of 4,189 UK adults conducted in September 2025 indicates that a significant number of users believe AI is more important than standard web searching. This shift in user behavior suggests that employees may be using AI tools for business purposes, highlighting the need for caution.

A study conducted by Which? tested six major AI tools across various sectors, revealing varying levels of accuracy. While some tools performed well, others showed significant shortcomings, emphasizing the importance of performance over popularity in the GenAI space.

The investigation uncovered instances where AI tools provided incorrect or incomplete information, posing serious risks for financial and legal departments. Errors in financial advice and misinterpretation of regional legal regulations were among the key findings, underscoring the need for a human-in-the-loop protocol to ensure accuracy in business processes involving AI.

Furthermore, the study highlighted ethical concerns surrounding the overconfident advice provided by AI tools on high-stakes matters. The lack of guidance to consult a professional in legal and financial queries could lead to operational hazards and regulatory exposure for organizations.

Transparency in the sources of information used by AI tools emerged as a critical issue for enterprise data governance. The investigation found that AI tools often cited vague or unreliable sources, leading to potential financial inefficiencies and biases in decision-making processes.

To mitigate the risks associated with using AI tools for web searches, business leaders are encouraged to implement robust governance frameworks. Specificity in prompts, source verification, and operationalizing the “second opinion” approach are recommended strategies to ensure the accuracy of AI outputs.

While AI tools are evolving and improving in web search accuracy, the investigation warns against excessive reliance on them. The difference between efficiency gains and compliance failures lies in the verification process, emphasizing the need for caution and human oversight in utilizing AI for business purposes.