Shadow AI usage common among UK tech workers

New research reveals a pervasive shadow AI problem within the UK's technology sector, with half of all tech workers using unauthorized artificial intelligence tools weekly to meet demanding deadlines, according to Security Brief United Kingdom. The STEM Workforce Report from consultancy SThree, based on a survey of over 5,000 global professionals, found that 23% of UK staff use unapproved AI daily, primarily to accelerate their work. While 81% acknowledge the security risks and 51% believe the dangers outweigh the benefits, employees cite inefficiency and slowness in official corporate systems as key drivers for this risky behavior. SThree's Managing Director Rakesh Patel stated this trend represents a critical dilemma: AI has become a double-edged sword for the UK's tech workforce — vital for productivity, yet risky when used outside secure systems. The widespread adoption occurs against a backdrop of increasing global regulatory scrutiny, including the EU AI Act, highlighting a significant gap between formal corporate policies and the practical tools employees rely on.