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For teams: Does your AI need the cloud?
Run It Local
Protocols / P-08
P-08

Redact before the cloud

When a cloud tool is the right choice, strip personal details on your own machine first.

Fixes
Boundaries
Clear lines on what never leaves, and what AI won't do.
Time
A few days
Part-time, alongside normal work.
Difficulty
Moderate
Honest estimate for a 50–500 person company.

IndicationsUse this when

  • Some tasks are best done with a cloud model.
  • People paste employee details into outside tools today.

ContraindicationsDon’t, or be careful, when

  • No redaction tool is perfect. Keep the most sensitive material local end to end.

EquipmentWhat you need

  • An open-source redaction tool such as Microsoft Presidio, run on your own machine

ProcedureSteps

  1. Pick one cloud use that's worth keeping.
  2. Run text through local redaction first to mask names, emails, and phone numbers.
  3. Spot-check 20 examples by hand for anything missed.
  4. Write the step into the AI use policy (P-05).

ChecksHow you know it worked

  • Redaction catches what you tested, and misses are understood.

HandoffWho owns it next

Whoever owns the cloud tool keeps the redaction step in place.

Sources

  1. Microsoft Presidio (open-source PII detection and redaction)
  2. Cisco 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study (2,600+ organizations, 12 geographies)