AI chatbots, like ChatGPT, are becoming a staple in our daily routines, handling an impressive number of queries each day. While they offer incredible convenience, they also raise some serious privacy flags. With over 100 million daily users, OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been called a “privacy black hole” due to the risks of data input. It’s wise to treat anything you type into these systems as public information. We’ve even seen countries like Italy temporarily ban them over these concerns.
When interacting with AI chatbots, it’s crucial to know what information to keep to yourself. Here are five things you should never share:
1. Illegal or Unethical Requests
AI systems are programmed to reject any unethical or illegal requests. If you ask a chatbot how to commit a crime or engage in fraud, you could face legal consequences. Different regions have specific laws, like China’s rules against AI that undermines state authority or the EU’s requirement for labeling AI-generated “deepfake” content.
2. Logins and Passwords
Never share your login details with an AI. Once you’ve entered this data, you lose control over how it’s handled, which could lead to privacy breaches and exposure of your personal information.
3. Financial Information
It’s risky to enter bank account details or credit card numbers into AI chatbots. Unlike secure banking systems, these chatbots don’t have encryption or data deletion safeguards, which increases your risk of fraud and identity theft.
4. Confidential Information
Sharing confidential business or personal data with chatbots can lead to breaches of confidentiality. For instance, employees have a duty to protect their employer’s sensitive information. Be cautious and keep such data private.
5. Medical Information
While it might be tempting to ask AI for medical advice, these systems don’t guarantee privacy. Health-related businesses face strict regulations and severe penalties for mishandling patient data, so it’s best to consult a professional.
In conclusion, as AI technology becomes more integrated into our lives, understanding the risks and responsibilities of data sharing is key. Stay vigilant and protect your privacy and sensitive information.
