Why your personal info and Gen AI don't mix

As artificial intelligence reshapes our digital world, generative AI tools like ChatGPT have become increasingly popular. These powerful systems can write essays, answer questions, and even create art. However before you start sharing personal details with these AI chatbots, there's something you should know, they remember everything you tell them. And that's just the beginning of the privacy concerns.

What's the big deal?

Think of it this way, when you chat with an AI, you're not just having a private conversation. Everything you type gets stored, analyzed, and potentially used to train future versions of the AI. It's like having a conversation in a crowded room where everyone is taking notes.

Recent studies paint a concerning picture:

• AI-related privacy incidents increased by 56.4% in 2024 alone
• 74% of organizations reported experiencing AI-related privacy breaches in 2024, up from 67% the previous year

These numbers only represent known incidents – the actual figure could be much higher.

The double-edged sword of AI

Despite these risks, AI offers incredible benefits:

• Personalized recommendations for products and services
• Improved healthcare diagnostics and treatment plans
• Enhanced educational tools tailored to individual learning styles
• More efficient customer service experiences

The key is to harness these benefits without compromising your privacy.

Red flags to watch for

When using AI tools, be alert if you see:

• Requests for personal details
• Prompts to verify your identity
• Unclear privacy policies
• No option to delete your data
• Vague terms about how your information will be used
• Lack of encryption for data transmission
• No information about where your data is stored

Before sharing anything with an AI, ask yourself: "Would I be comfortable seeing this information on a public website?" If the answer is no, keep it to yourself.

What not to share with AI

Keep these details private:

• Full name and address
• Financial information (bank details, credit card numbers)
• Health records and medical history
• Government ID numbers (Social Insurance Number, driver's license)
• Personal email addresses and phone numbers
• Family members' information
• Work-related confidential data
• Passwords or security questions
• Travel plans or location data

Protect yourself: 5 simple steps

1. Use a nickname: instead of your real name, create a pseudonym for AI interactions. This makes it harder to link your AI conversations back to you.
2. Create a separate email: set up a dedicated email address for AI services to keep your primary email private. This helps contain any potential data breaches.
3. Check privacy settings: review and enable all available privacy features before using any AI tool. Look for options to limit data collection and sharing.
4. Clear your history: regularly delete your conversation history with AI tools. Many services offer this option, but you may need to dig into the settings to find it.
5. Be vague about details: when asking questions, use general examples instead of personal ones. For instance, ask about "a city" rather than your specific location.

Smart ways to use AI safely

When interacting with AI, always think about how you can rephrase your queries to avoid sharing personal information. Instead of mentioning your specific situation, use general terms or hypothetical scenarios. This approach allows you to get the information you need while keeping your personal details private.

For example, rather than asking about your own medical condition, you could ask about common treatments for that condition in general. Instead of discussing your company's confidential data, you could inquire about typical industry trends. This way, you can still leverage the power of AI without compromising your privacy.

Important reminder

Unlike a conversation with a friend, your chats with AI are permanent. There's no "taking it back" once you've shared personal information. AI systems can also make unexpected connections between pieces of information, potentially revealing more about you than you intended.

What to do if you've overshared

Already shared too much? Take these steps:

• Delete your conversation history if possible
• Contact the service provider about removing your data
• Monitor your personal information for potential misuse
• Update any compromised passwords or accounts
• Be more careful in future interactions
• Consider using identity monitoring services for added protection

The future of AI privacy

As AI technology evolves, so do privacy concerns and protections. Keep an eye out for:

• Stricter regulations on AI data usage and storage
• More transparent AI systems that explain how they use your data
• Advanced encryption methods for AI interactions
• AI tools that can function without storing personal data

Stay informed about these developments to make the best decisions about your digital privacy.

Bottom line

AI tools can be incredibly helpful, but they're not your confidants. Keep your personal information private, and you'll get all the benefits of AI without putting your privacy at risk. Remember, your data is valuable – treat it that way! When in doubt, leave personal details out!