Guidelines for interpreters on using AI and other automated applications and tools
The European Commission has published internal guidelines for its staff on the use of generative AI tools. The guidelines below provide additional, job-specific guidance for interpreters working in meetings supported by DG Interpretation.
Scope
These guidelines concern the use of AI cloud-based applications and tools, including but not limited to commercial translation tools, terminology extraction, speech to text solutions and cloud storage (such as DeepL, Google Translate, InterpretBank, AI plugins in Microsoft Office, ChatGPT, iCloud, Google Docs).
Usage restrictions
The use of these tools is only allowed for public documents and meetings. You may only use these tools to process documents, data and audio that are not freely accessible to the public (including internal working documents of the EU institutions, emails and internal discussions) if you have the express permission of the authors.
Risks and responsibilities
Although these tools can help prepare interpretation work and interpreting in the booth, they can also pose a risk to sensitive information and personal data. This is because public versions of these tools reuse information, which can compromise the EU institution’s legal, ethical and professional standards.
Before using any commercial AI tool or application, interpreters must carefully review the terms and conditions, as well as any privacy policies or security protocols that apply. It is essential to understand the potential risks and ensure these tools are used responsibly.
Recommended alternatives
Instead of commercial solutions, it is recommended to use the European Commission’s eTranslation and Speech-to-Text tools as safe alternatives. These tools have been cleared to be used with the Commission and other institutions’ sensitive documents.
Compliance
Interpreters must respect the European Commission and other EU institutions’ legal frameworks and security and confidentiality policies. These tools must be used with caution, responsibility and in compliance with all legal and ethical guidelines of the profession.