8 things you should never share with AI

Artificial intelligence systems, such as virtual assistants and chatbots, are great for answering enquiries and simplifying processes.  Although AI is very useful, sharing certain vital and personal information with it might result in identity theft, data breaches, and privacy problems.

According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, one in five Americans have used AI to get health recommendations. Furthermore, about 25% of Americans said they would prefer a chatbot to conventional therapy in a Tebra survey conducted last year.

Here are eight things to avoid disclosing when using AI technologies.

1. Personal Identifiable Information (PII)

Never share sensitive details like your Social Security number, passport details, or driver’s license number. These can be exploited for identity theft.

2. Passwords and Login Credentials

Your passwords or PINs should remain private. AI systems aren’t designed to securely store or handle sensitive login information.

3. Financial Information

Bank account numbers, credit card details, or payment app credentials are off-limits. Sharing this data can open the door to fraud and unauthorized transactions.

4. Medical Records or Health Information

Avoid inputting sensitive medical details, diagnoses, or insurance information into AI systems unless it’s a secure, healthcare-specific platform.

5. Private Conversations

Be cautious about sharing sensitive or confidential conversations. AI platforms may store data for training purposes, which could compromise your privacy.

6. Work-Related Secrets

Company plans, trade secrets, or any confidential work-related information should never be discussed with AI tools unless explicitly authorized by your employer.

7. Location Details

Real-time location sharing, such as your home address or travel plans, could make you vulnerable to targeted threats or stalking. For example, disclosing your address or indicating that you are on vacation could be utilised by bad actors to arrange burglaries or other destructive actions. Always exercise caution when sharing any location-based information, even if the site looks to be secure.

8. Content You Don’t Own

Sharing proprietary or copyrighted data that you do not own can result in legal issues. For example, presenting an AI tool with confidential client presentations, unpublished manuscripts, or other sensitive documents may constitute an unintended violation of intellectual property regulations. Furthermore, AI systems may store this data, resulting in unwanted usage or leakage. Always check that you have the correct rights before uploading such content.

Why It Matters

AI tools often store user data to improve their responses and functionality. While many platforms claim to anonymize data, breaches and misuse can still happen. By limiting the information you share, you’re taking a proactive step toward safeguarding your privacy.

How to Stay Safe

Review the privacy policies of any AI platform you use.

Use secure, AI-specific tools for sensitive tasks like finance or healthcare.

Treat AI as a tool, not a confidant.

While AI continues to grow as a helpful resource, it’s up to you to ensure your data stays protected. Think twice before typing or sharing sensitive information—your privacy depends on it!