In what ways can freelancers use AI sensibly and safely in business?

How can AI be used to support everyday freelance work?

The sensible use of artificial intelligence can free up freelancers without relinquishing control. AI cannot replace professional competence or entrepreneurial responsibility. This is particularly important when dealing with customers.

After all, they are not commissioning AI, but a human professional. They therefore expect services to be performed correctly, carefully, and within the agreed scope. This expectation remains regardless of whether AI was used to assist in the creation process.

Which tasks can freelancers effectively use AI for?

AI can be particularly helpful for freelancers when it comes to structure, preparatory work and efficiency. It is a useful tool for setting up and streamlining processes.

In what ways can AI help with business organisation?

AI can help you complete recurring tasks more quickly and efficiently. Typical use cases include:

• pre-structuring emails
• creating task or project overviews
• summarising longer content

Such solutions save time and help you stay organised.

How does AI assist with content creation?

In this context, AI's role is primarily to generate ideas and produce initial drafts. Freelancers should adhere to a clear process.

1. Creation of proposals or drafts by the AI.

2. A technical review of the content by the freelancer.

3. Adaptation to the target audience, tone and expressiveness by the freelancer.

How can AI be used for research and brainstorming?

When searching for new ideas or starting a new topic, AI can be helpful in the following ways:

• structuring information
• providing an initial overview of a topic
• highlighting new perspectives or approaches

However, it is important to note that AI is no substitute for your own research. Freelancers should verify the information and cross-check it with reliable sources.

In the article AI In Business: How To Use Artificial Intelligence As a Freelancer, we explain how AI can be systematically integrated into work processes.

What are the limitations of AI in freelance work?

Artificial intelligence is based on probabilities and existing data. It is unable to evaluate specific projects, customers or industry contexts independently. This can result in outcomes that appear plausible, but which may be technically incorrect or incomplete.

• Artificial intelligence does not provide complete legal or economic classification of results.
• It does not recognise the contractual requirements or liability-related consequences of a result.

You can find a more detailed classification of this in the article AI and Its Dangers: The Potential For Abuse of Artificial Intelligence.

What risks do freelancers face when using AI?

Using AI can introduce new sources of error if freelancers accept results without checking them or classify them incorrectly.

What technical and economic risks are there?

Using AI results directly can lead to faulty work, particularly if freelancers do so. If customers notice these errors, they may demand corrections. In the worst case, this could result in financial damage to the client.

This would also have economic consequences. For example, if faulty results cause delays to the project, customers may make financial claims. The supposed efficiency gains from AI can quickly turn into the opposite.

Which legal risks should freelancers be aware of when using AI?

In addition to technical risks, legal considerations also play an important role.

Copyright: AI may generate content that resembles protected works, or use third-party content without permission.

Data protection: Freelancers should never enter sensitive data into AI systems. Otherwise, they will breach data protection or confidentiality agreements.

Competition and labelling law: Depending on the context, transparency or information requirements may be relevant, for example, if the content could be mistaken for real, such as synthetic images, audio or videos.

Copyright issues can arise, particularly with AI-generated texts. This article explains how such content can be legally classified and what risks exist: ChatGPT: Do AI-based Texts Violate Copyright?

Who is liable for errors caused by AI?

In principle, the freelancer, not the AI, is liable. From legal and insurance perspectives, liability depends on the outcome and whether it resulted in damage.

Why doesn't AI reduce liability risks?

Although the use of AI can reduce the amount of work involved, it cannot eliminate liability risk. Incorrect results, false information or inappropriate decisions can still cause damage to customers. In this case, Professional Indemnity Insurance through exali can help. The insurer will examine any claims made and, if necessary, cover the cost of any damages awarded.

From an insurance perspective, how is the use of AI classified?

From an insurance perspective, the focus is not on the tool used, but on the damage caused and the specific scope of coverage. Classic liability risks for freelancers therefore remain, even when using artificial intelligence. Using artificial intelligence does not automatically exclude or protect against claims for compensation.

What should freelancers bear in mind when using AI?

If you are using AI for freelance work, there are a few basic points you should consider to minimise risks and manage your responsibilities effectively. The following aspects will help you use AI sensibly and in a controlled manner.

Firstly, do not use AI as the sole basis for decision-making. While AI can provide support, it cannot replace business or technical decisions. The final decision always lies with the freelancer.

Do not enter sensitive customer data. Confidential information, personal data, and internal project details should not be entered into AI systems unless the processing and storage of the data is clearly defined.

Maintain transparency with customers. Depending on the project, it may be advisable to openly communicate that AI is being used as a supporting tool. This is particularly important if it could impact working methods or results.

Responsibility remains with the freelancer. Even when using AI, the freelancer is responsible for the quality of their work and any potential damage caused. This responsibility cannot be transferred to a technical system.

If freelancers adhere to these principles, the new tools will make their daily work much more efficient.