Eight Things You Should Never Share With an AI Chatbot

In today’s digital age, AI chatbots have become an integral part of our online interactions. However, it is essential to remember that conversations with these chatbots are not private. Everything you type or upload can be read and utilized in various ways. If you wouldn’t share sensitive information with a stranger, you should avoid including it in a chatbot prompt as well.

Understanding AI Chatbot Privacy

Recent research from Stanford University reviewed the privacy policies of several leading AI chatbot developers, including Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT. The findings revealed that these companies typically use chat data for training purposes by default. Some even retain this data indefinitely and merge it with other consumer information, such as search queries and purchases. While users can opt out of having their data used for training, chat logs may still be reviewed by human moderators, increasing the risk of data breaches.

What Not to Share with AI Chatbots

When using an AI chatbot, it is crucial to avoid sharing the following types of information:

1. Login Credentials

Never share usernames, passwords, or any documents containing login credentials with a chatbot. AI systems are not designed to securely store or manage passwords. Instead, use a password manager or opt for a passkey if available.

2. Financial Data

AI chatbots are not financial advisors and should not be used to share sensitive financial information. Avoid uploading bank statements, credit card numbers, investment details, or account balances. Sharing financial information in unsecured environments increases the risk of theft and fraud.

3. Medical Records

AI chatbots are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon for medical advice. Sharing your medical records can expose you to potential data breaches and misuse. It is wise to keep such sensitive information private.

4. Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Do not include personally identifiable information in your chatbot prompts. This includes your name, address, email, phone number, birth date, Social Security number, and passport number. Such information can be used for identity theft and should be kept confidential.

5. General Health Information

In addition to sensitive medical records, avoid sharing general health information that could be used to profile you. For example, asking for heart-healthy recipes could reveal your health status, which may eventually be accessible to insurance companies. This category also includes information related to sexual health, medication use, and gender-affirming care.

6. Mental Health Concerns

AI chatbots are not substitutes for professional mental health support. Although updates have been made to protect users in crisis, chatbots can often provide unhelpful or even harmful responses. It is best to seek help from qualified human professionals for mental health issues.

7. Photos

While AI image editing tools are popular, uploading personal photos to chatbots carries risks. Your images may be used for training purposes, and the metadata embedded in photos can reveal sensitive information, such as your GPS location. Avoid sharing images of people, especially minors, and consider stripping EXIF data before uploading any photos.

8. Company Documents

AI chatbots can assist with tasks like summarizing documents and drafting emails, but caution should be exercised when uploading files that contain sensitive company information. Many employers have policies against sharing proprietary data with external services, and violating these policies can lead to serious consequences.

Best Practices for Using AI Chatbots

To ensure your privacy and security while using AI chatbots, consider the following best practices:

• Assume that everything you share in a chatbot prompt is stored and could be accessed by others.
• Avoid sharing any personal or identifiable information.
• Enable all available privacy settings, including opting out of data sharing and training.
• Use secure methods for handling sensitive information, such as password managers for credentials and encrypted communication for financial data.
• Seek professional help for medical and mental health concerns rather than relying on AI chatbots.

Conclusion

As AI chatbots continue to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the information we share. By understanding the types of data that should never be disclosed, we can better protect our privacy and security in the digital landscape.

Note: Always prioritize your privacy and security when interacting with AI technologies. Be cautious and informed about what you share.