Technology is not going away, so we might as well use it. But how do you choose an AI tool without opening yourself up to risk?
Here is my rule of thumb: Treat AI like a summer intern.
You wouldn’t hand your office keys, your credit card, and your client list to a stranger on their first day, would you? You would vet them. You would set boundaries. You would check their work.
AI is no different. It is not magic; it is a powerful, enthusiastic, and often error-prone intern. To keep it safe, you have to be the boss.
Your 3-Point Vetting Checklist
Before you hit “Subscribe” on that shiny new tool, run it through this filter:
1. Data Residency Check (The Canadian Rule)
- The Question: “Where does my data sleep at night?”
- The Red Flag: If the vendor is vague about server locations, assume your client data is leaving Canada. For many local businesses (especially in health or finance), this is a compliance risk you don’t need.
- The Action: Look for “Data Residency” in their FAQ. If they don’t explicitly say “Canada” or “North America” (depending on your comfort level), pause.
2. Hallucination Check
- The Question: “What is the cost of a mistake?”
- The Red Flag: Tools that auto-send emails or publish content without your review.
- The Action: Never automate the final step. Use AI to draft the email, but force a human (you) to click “Send.” If the tool doesn’t allow a review step, do not use it.
3. Surveillance Check
- The Question: “Is this tool helping us work, or just watching us work?”
- The Red Flag: Features that track keystrokes, mouse movements, or “attention.”
- The Action: Read the “Features” list. If you see “Employee Monitoring” or “Productivity Tracking,” run. You want efficiency, not a digital panopticon.
Leaning into AI doesn’t mean blind acceptance. It means critical adoption. Choose tools that solve boring problems, keep your data local where possible, and always keep a human hand on the wheel.
Recommended Readings
Want to go deeper without drowning in technical manuals? We have curated the only three links you actually need to understand your rights and risks as a Canadian business owner.
1. The “Can I legally do this?” Guide
- Resource: Privacy Guide for Businesses (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada)
- Why read it: This is the official playbook for PIPEDA. It explains exactly what you can and cannot do with client data in plain English. If you only bookmark one link, make it this one.
2. The “Am I secure?” Checklist
- Resource: Get Cyber Safe Guide for Small Business
- Why read it: A government-backed, non-technical guide to locking your digital doors. It covers the basics such as passwords, updates, and phishing.
3. The “AI & Ethics” Reality Check
- Resource: Principles for Responsible AI (OPC)
- Why read it: The Canadian government’s stance on how AI should be used. It is a great framework to see if the tool you are considering aligns with Canadian values and laws.