In an era of rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence has become an integral part of the professional landscape. The tools listed in this guide reflect our collective expertise and careful evaluation of AI technologies derived from extensive research, practical experience, and a commitment to responsible innovation.
🟢 Approved Tools (Green Zone)
Tool |
Pros |
Cons |
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Easy for experimentation Access to GPT-4o mini Real-time data from the webs with search  |
- Limited access to GPT-4o and o3-mini - Limited access to file uploads, data analysis, image generation and voice mode - May experience higher wait times or limited access during peak usage. Â Â |
ChatGPT Plus and other paid plans |
​​​Extended limits on messaging, file uploads, data analysis, and image generation Access to multiple reasoning models (o3-mini, o3-mini-high, and o1) Standard and advanced voice mode with video and screen sharing |
Subscription-based service may be expensive for casual users. Even with the Plus plan, there's limited ability to fine-tune or extensively customize responses compared to other AI platforms. |
Microsoft Bing (based on ChatGPT) |
 Knowledge base uses current internet content, allows voice interaction, and image uploads    |
Several features require a Microsoft account |
Available for Google Workspace for Nonprofits (e.g. @scorevolunteer.org domain)  Multimodal AI, capable of understanding text, images, and audio  Access to 2.0 Flash model with capabilities of assisting with writing, planning, learning and image generation. |
-Limited advanced features such as complex coding assistance and extensive data analysis. Â -Processes up to 32,000 tokens, which may be insufficient for handling extensive datasets or lengthy documents. |
|
Includes latest experimental model, 2.0 Pro, designed for complex tasks  Allows users to generate comprehensive multip-page reports  Access to personalize AI experts tailored to specific topics or tasks  |
-Subscription cost starts at $19.99 per month  -The array of advanced features may present a learning curve for individuals unfamiliar with AI tools. -Some features are available only in select languages |
|
Zoom AI Companion |
Built directly into the Zoom platform, which makes it easy to use without needing third-party apps or tools.  Provides live transcription, note-taking, and action item identification during meetings  |
Requires Zoom Pro Account Limited Features Based on Plan |
Chatbot AI |
Allows you to customize the chatbot's personality and responses  Provides an around-the-clock support for your users  Included in Chatbot plans: Pricing page |
 Limited predefined responses  Does not easily integrate with other platforms or systems |
Google Notebook LM is intuitive and simple to use, making it accessible even for people with minimal technical expertise. Â Allows you to access your notes from any device with an internet connection, ensuring your work is always available. Â Create study guides, generate podcast-like conversations, and even get help with research. |
Since it’s cloud-based, you need an internet connection to access and edit your notes, which can be inconvenient in offline situations.     |
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🟡 Proceed with Caution Tools (Yellow Zone)
Microsoft Co-Pilot
Microsoft’s Co-Pilot AI integration across Office applications presents serious confidentiality risks, particularly for lawyers and professionals handling sensitive client information. Key concerns include:
- No option to fully disable Co-Pilot in applications like OneNote and Excel.
- Risk of unintentional cross-contamination of confidential client data.
- Potential violations of professional ethical standards related to client confidentiality.
- Lack of clarity on Microsoft’s safeguards against inappropriate data sharing.
The American Bar Association (ABA) has already expressed concerns about generative AI compromising professional ethics. Legal experts are calling for stronger safeguards and clearer communication from Microsoft on how sensitive information will be protected.
Recommendation: Exercise extreme caution when using Co-Pilot in professional settings involving confidential client documents.
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🔴 Suspended/Restricted Tools (Red Zone)
DeepSeek
Due to serious security, privacy, and national security risks, the SCORE organization will not endorse or permit using DeepSeek AI. Multiple states, including Virginia, New York, and Texas, have banned the app from government devices due to its ties to ByteDance, unencrypted data transmission, and weak security measures.
While we do not support the use of DeepSeek, individuals who choose to use it does so at their own risk and must adhere to our SCORE Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethical Use Policy at https://help.score.org/hc/en-us/articles/35080703728915-SCORE-Generative-Artificial-Intelligence-AI-Ethical-Use-Policy
More details can be found at DeekSeek Usage in SCORE
Fireflies.ai
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As of September 24, 2024, SCORE HQ will suspend using Fireflies.ai due to several significant concerns:
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Privacy issues: The app raises substantial privacy concerns, particularly given its automatic integration into users' accounts.
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Lack of user control: There is no straightforward way for users to modify the app's settings, limiting their ability to manage their privacy and preferences.
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Non-consensual installation: The Google Calendar app may integrate the Fireflies.ai app into users' accounts through an automated process. This integration can occur without explicit user consent or notification. Users might also unintentionally add the app without fully comprehending its data usage implications. This automated addition raises questions about user awareness and control over third-party app integrations.
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Difficulty in removal: Once installed, the app is challenging to remove from user accounts. This persistence exacerbates privacy and control issues, as users cannot easily opt out if they are uncomfortable with the app's presence or functionality.
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- These factors collectively present a significant risk to user privacy and autonomy. By blocking the Fireflies.ai app, SCORE aims to protect its users from potential privacy breaches and ensure they maintain control over the tools and features integrated into their Google Calendar accounts.
- As a reminder, always use your SCORE (SVO) email whenever conducting SCORE business.
Otter.ai
- As of July 19, 2023 SCORE HQ has suspended the use of Otter.ai and disconnected it from SCORE Zoom accounts. This was done primarily due to data privacy concerns, and the spread of the application to other users within meetings who did not consent to recordings.Â
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📊 Evaluating AI Tool
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SCORE volunteers should not share client data with third-party vendors for all resources and tools unless the client has opted in or provided written consent. If a mentor gets written consent from a client and uploads that consent to the client profile on Engage, they can use the tool accordingly.Â
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Relevant Resources:
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AI at SCORE - View this Lifelong Learning session; held on October 26, 2023 at 12pm ET
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Our AI Community of Practice (AI CoP) provides a forum for collaboration and exchange of ideas, resources, and assistance to all practitioners: volunteers, mentors, software engineers, AI application users, and anyone else at SCORE. Want to join AI CoP?  Send blank email to ai+subscribe@scorevolunteer.org to be automatically added to the AI CoP membership list or join us via Engage/Support Center/Communities portal.
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