Dear campus community,

In recent weeks, a service called Read AI—aka Read Assistant or simply Read—has come into use among Microsoft Teams users at the UofM. The service joins Teams meetings, records all content and emails summaries to the participants. In order to access the full notes, users must create their own Read AI account. Read AI then attempts to join all Teams meetings of the new user. Through this method, Read AI is able to quickly propagate throughout an organization.

Read AI’s terms of service violate IT6005 – Data Security Policy and IT6010 – Data Privacy Policy. As such, Read AI will not be allowed on University accounts, devices or services. On Nov. 1, ITS will implement measures to prevent the expansion of Read AI among UofM users.

If Read AI requests to join your Teams meeting or to interact with another service, please deny the request. Delete any Read Assistant meeting summary emails or other messages prompting you to create a Read AI account.

ITS is currently evaluating services that could provide similar tools as Read AI while complying with University requirements. The availability of any such approved service will be communicated to UofM users through normal channels.

If you have further concerns about Read AI or other technology needs, please contact the ITS Service Desk at umtech@memphis.edu or 901.678.8888.

Jeff Delaney
Chief Information Officer