What Are Connectors?
Connectors are tools that let GenAI platforms (like ChatGPT and Gemini) securely link to your external services, such as email, cloud storage, or calendars. They boost productivity by letting AI work with your existing apps and data.
However, they also come with privacy considerations you should understand before turning them on.
Connector Features
*Currently, Google Drive only
Examples of Popular Connectors
- Google Drive Connector: Lets the AI tool access and retrieve files or folders from your Google Drive
- Outlook Connector: Connects the AI tool to your Outlook email and calendar
- Microsoft Teams Connector: Allows the AI tool to interact with Teams messages, channels, and files
- GitHub Connector: Enables the AI tool to search, read, and summarize code repositories
- Other Supported Connectors: Additional integrations are available, such as linking with cloud storage or productivity apps
Approved Connectors
Why Privacy Matters with Connectors
When you connect external services, you’re granting AI access to potentially sensitive information. Even if the AI doesn’t store the data, it can process, summarize, or act on it. That means:
- You should know exactly what data is being accessed
- You should have a clear purpose for connecting it
- You should review and adhere to the CES Privacy Principles while using AI
A summary table of these principles and examples related to connectors is below. You can also learn more about these privacy principles in the links below.
| Principle | Example |
|---|---|
| Purpose Limitation | Before enabling or leveraging a connector, determine the specific purpose for accessing data. |
| Data Minimization | Don't pull data into an AI tool via a connector that is not tied to a specific purpose and that you do not have an appropriate and legal justification to process. |
| Lawfulness | Don't violate any privacy and policy agreements. Refer to BYU's Data Use, Privacy, and Security Policy and the CES Information Classification document for more information. |
| Transparency | Inform users when you use connectors that may access their data. |
| Protection | Use only services that have been approved. Consult the current approved list. |
| Duration | Use connectors with retention settings and delete or de-identify data once the task is complete. |
Guidelines for Enabling Connectors
When you connect external services, you’re granting AI access to potentially sensitive information. Even if the AI doesn’t store the data, it can process, summarize, or act on it. That means:
- You should avoid enabling connectors with unapproved tools/platforms
- You should know exactly what data is being accessed
- You should have a clear purpose for connecting it
- You should ensure the connector and service provider meet security standards