AI tools can be of great help, but they can also pose unique privacy risks, such as the potential for data misuse. Being informed about these risks can help you make better decisions about which AI tools to use and how to interact with them. Here we give you tips to better protect your privacy before you go ahead and use them.
1. Check the company’s privacy policy
The companies that run AI tools have privacy policies that govern the information that they store. It’s best to read these policies before you use the AI, so that you know what the data harvesting practices are. For example, Open AI’s privacy policy for ChatGPT says it collects data on your location from your device’s GPS. You need to be sure you are comfortable with the data you’re sharing and what the company will collect.
You should also be aware of the data residency, or where the company stores its data, because different locations are governed by different privacy laws (like the GDPR or CCPA).
2. Avoid sharing sensitive information
Wherever possible, when you use AI you should avoid sharing any compromising or sensitive information. That includes details like your full name, address, your date of birth, and your financial information. It may be necessary to share information about yourself at times but be mindful that your chat history could be being saved.
One way to avoid giving out sensitive information is to anonymize it with place-holder text. For example, if you’re feeding the AI information about your company, rather than using its real name you could refer to it as Company X. Likewise, you may refer to “a friend” to describe a friend or “project alpha” to refer to a business project you’re working on.
3. Adjust the settings for privacy
Many AI companies offer privacy settings that allow you to limit the data that’s stored and/or used to train AI models. Some give you more control than others. For example, in ChatGPT you can toggle off data sharing by accessing the settings and adjusting the data controls. Gemini limits what you can control but it does give you the option to save certain information about yourself such as your dietary preferences and what language you want it to use.
Similarly other AI tools may have options to limit data collection or anonymize your interactions, so you should always check the settings to see that you’re not sharing more information than you need or want to.
You should also review any permissions the AI app or tool requests on your device and limit them to only what’s necessary for the tool to function.
Pexels Hatice Baran
4. Be cautious about third-party AI tools
When using third-party AI tools, be aware that they may have different data collection practices. If an AI tool is hosted by a third-party, it’s likely collecting data. Use these tools with caution and prefer ones that prioritize user privacy.
5. Secure your account
The normal steps you might take to secure an account should also be carried out with your AI account. That means using a strong password for the AI service as well as two-factor authentication (2FA) if available to prevent unauthorized access.
If you’re really concerned about anonymity, consider using a non-identifiable email address for registration. That way the tool will only know you by your anonymous address.
Related content
AI tools can be of great help, but they can also pose unique privacy risks, such as the potential for data misuse. Being informed about these risks can help you make better decisions about which AI tools to use and how to interact with them. Here we give you tips to better protect your privacy before you go ahead and use them.
1. Check the company’s privacy policy
The companies that run AI tools have privacy policies that govern the information that they store. It’s best to read these policies before you use the AI, so that you know what the data harvesting practices are. For example, Open AI’s privacy policy for ChatGPT says it collects data on your location from your device’s GPS. You need to be sure you are comfortable with the data you’re sharing and what the company will collect.
You should also be aware of the data residency, or where the company stores its data, because different locations are governed by different privacy laws (like the GDPR or CCPA).
2. Avoid sharing sensitive information
Wherever possible, when you use AI you should avoid sharing any compromising or sensitive information. That includes details like your full name, address, your date of birth, and your financial information. It may be necessary to share information about yourself at times but be mindful that your chat history could be being saved.
One way to avoid giving out sensitive information is to anonymize it with place-holder text. For example, if you’re feeding the AI information about your company, rather than using its real name you could refer to it as Company X. Likewise, you may refer to “a friend” to describe a friend or “project alpha” to refer to a business project you’re working on.
3. Adjust the settings for privacy
Many AI companies offer privacy settings that allow you to limit the data that’s stored and/or used to train AI models. Some give you more control than others. For example, in ChatGPT you can toggle off data sharing by accessing the settings and adjusting the data controls. Gemini limits what you can control but it does give you the option to save certain information about yourself such as your dietary preferences and what language you want it to use.
Similarly other AI tools may have options to limit data collection or anonymize your interactions, so you should always check the settings to see that you’re not sharing more information than you need or want to.
You should also review any permissions the AI app or tool requests on your device and limit them to only what’s necessary for the tool to function.
Pexels Hatice Baran
4. Be cautious about third-party AI tools
When using third-party AI tools, be aware that they may have different data collection practices. If an AI tool is hosted by a third-party, it’s likely collecting data. Use these tools with caution and prefer ones that prioritize user privacy.
5. Secure your account
The normal steps you might take to secure an account should also be carried out with your AI account. That means using a strong password for the AI service as well as two-factor authentication (2FA) if available to prevent unauthorized access.
If you’re really concerned about anonymity, consider using a non-identifiable email address for registration. That way the tool will only know you by your anonymous address.
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