5 Things You Must Not Share with AI Chatbots

Conversations with chatbots may feel intimate, but you’re really sharing every word with a private company.

The Risks Involved in Using AI Chatbots

AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Bard, Bing AI, and others can put your privacy at risk because they use AI to learn from your data. Your personal info could be exposed if hackers break into the servers where chatbot data is stored. They might sell it or use it to hack into your accounts. Even though companies say they don’t sell your data for ads, they do share it with some third parties for maintenance reasons. OpenAI, the group behind ChatGPT, admits to sharing data with trusted providers and letting certain staff access it, which adds to worries about AI chatbot security.

What Not to Share With AI Chatbots?

Following these five best practices when interacting with AI chatbots is essential to ensure your privacy and security.

1. Financial Details

While AI chatbots like ChatGPT can offer financial advice, sharing sensitive financial details with them could put your bank account at risk. Cybercriminals might exploit this information to steal from your accounts. Even though companies say they protect your data, it’s possible for others to access it. This raises worries about your information being used for harmful activities or sold to marketers. To keep your finances safe, it’s best to be cautious about what you share with AI chatbots. Stick to general questions rather than giving specific financial info. For personalized advice, it’s safer to consult a licensed financial advisor who can offer trustworthy guidance tailored to your needs.

2. Your Personal and Intimate Thoughts

Many people are using AI chatbots for therapy without realizing the potential risks to their mental health. These chatbots can’t offer personalized advice and might suggest treatments that aren’t right for you, possibly harming your well-being. Sharing personal thoughts with them also raises privacy concerns, as your secrets could be leaked online, putting you at risk of being spied on or having your data sold. It’s important to use AI chatbots for general support, not as a replacement for professional therapy. If you need mental health advice or treatment, it’s best to consult a qualified professional who can offer personalized guidance while prioritizing your privacy and well-being.

3. Confidential Information of Your Workplace

Users should avoid sharing confidential work-related information with AI chatbots to prevent potential leaks or data breaches. Even major companies like Apple, Samsung, JPMorgan, and Google have restricted their employees from using AI chatbots at work. A Bloomberg report highlighted how Samsung employees accidentally uploaded sensitive code onto ChatGPT, leading to the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and prompting a ban on AI chatbot usage. This incident underscores the importance of exercising caution when sharing sensitive work-related details with AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Many employees use AI chatbots to summarize meeting minutes or automate tasks, but doing so risks exposing sensitive data unintentionally. To protect sensitive information and prevent leaks or breaches, users must be aware of the risks and refrain from sharing confidential work details with AI chatbots.

4. Passwords

It’s crucial to never share your passwords online, even with language models like AI chatbots. These models store your data on public servers, and giving them your passwords risks your privacy. Hackers can access and misuse your passwords if there’s a breach, potentially causing financial harm.

A significant data breach involving ChatGPT happened in May 2022, raising serious concerns about chatbot platform security. Additionally, ChatGPT was banned in Italy due to non-compliance with privacy laws like the GDPR. This highlights the risks of data breaches on such platforms, making it essential to protect your login credentials from AI chatbots.

By not sharing your passwords with these chatbots, you can actively safeguard your personal information and reduce the risk of cyber threats. Remember, protecting your login credentials is crucial for maintaining your online privacy and security.

5. Residential Details and Other Personal Data

It’s crucial to avoid sharing Personal Identification Information (PII) with AI chatbots. PII includes sensitive data like your location, social security number, date of birth, and health information. Protecting the privacy of your personal and residential details when interacting with AI chatbots is essential.

To keep your personal data private when using AI chatbots, here are some important practices to remember:

• Read and understand the privacy policies of chatbots to know the risks involved.
• Avoid asking questions that could accidentally reveal your identity or personal info.
• Be cautious and don’t share medical information with AI bots.
• Remember the potential risks to your data when using AI chatbots on social platforms like Snapchat.

Avoid Oversharing With AI Chatbots

In conclusion, AI chatbot technology brings great advancements but also serious privacy risks. Protecting your data by controlling what you share with these chatbots is crucial. Stay vigilant and follow best practices to reduce potential risks and safeguard your privacy.

Original source:  https://www.makeuseof.com/things-you-must-not-share-with-ai-chatbots/

This article was condensed and simplified by ChatGPT, edited by Grammarly, and reviewed by a human, Pam Snell.

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