Tips to Protect Your Privacy While Using ChatGPT and Other AI Tools
Concur - Consent Manager
Driving businesses toward mastery of DPDP compliance with clarity and confidence.
AI chatbots, like ChatGPT , have revolutionized how we interact with technology. They're fast, helpful, and can give us answers to all kinds of questions. But, just between us, have you ever stopped to think about your privacy? Sure, it's fun to ask ChatGPT to help you with your homework or brainstorm ideas for your new business, but every conversation you have with it generates data. This data, whether it's your preferences, location, or just casual conversation, can be used to enhance AI capabilities. But at what cost to your privacy? Let’s take a closer look at how to protect your personal information while using these AI tools.
1. Use the Accountless Version (Without Logging In)
One way to keep your privacy in check is to use the accountless version of AI chatbots like ChatGPT. This way, you can ask your questions and interact with the bot without tying your personal data to an account. Sure, you won’t have access to saved conversations or some personalized features, but you’ll also be keeping your data under wraps. No login, no trace!
2. If You Create an Account, Lock It Down
If you decide to create an account (because, let’s be real, some of those personalized features are pretty cool), make sure to lock it down. Avoid signing up with third-party accounts like Google or Facebook. When you sign in through these services, your data could be shared between the app and these platforms. That’s a privacy no-no. Instead, opt to sign up with a unique email and use a strong password to keep your account secure.
Pro Tip: If you're on the fence about which login method to use, consider signing up through Apple’s "Sign in with Apple" feature. Why? It allows you to hide your email, adding an extra layer of privacy. And Apple promises not to track or profile you. Nice, right?
Once you're signed in, take a minute to explore the privacy settings. Many platforms (including ChatGPT) let you control what data is stored and how it’s used. For instance, ChatGPT offers a Temporary Chat mode, which works like an incognito mode for your conversations. It means your chats won’t be saved for future learning and won’t appear in your history.
3. Turn Off Automatic Data-Sharing from Your Phone or Browser Settings
Does ChatGPT really need access to your location, photos, microphone, or camera every time you chat? Probably not. It's always a good idea to double-check what permissions your AI tools have on your phone or browser. If you’re using the browser version, you have more control over what gets shared. Just share what’s necessary—like a photo for a quick “outfit check”—and leave the rest behind.
Take the time to go into your phone or browser’s privacy settings and disable any unnecessary permissions. This helps limit the amount of personal data AI apps can access.
4. Opt Out of Data Usage for AI Training
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky. If you’re using an AI chatbot like ChatGPT, opting out of training is a good privacy move. What does this mean? By opting out, you’re ensuring that your conversations aren’t used to help improve or train the AI system. When you use AI tools, everything you say can be stored and used to teach the chatbot how to respond better. But if you opt-out of training, your data won’t be used to improve the bot. It’s your choice, but it’s worth considering if privacy is a concern for you.
5. Don’t Share Anything You Want to Keep Private
Here’s the most important rule: Think twice before sharing anything personal. Whether you’re chatting for fun or solving a problem, remember that AI chatbots are not human. While they can provide useful info, they lack the nuance and understanding of a real person.
What You Should Never Share with ChatGPT
Let’s start with the obvious—what shouldn’t you share with ChatGPT or any AI chatbot? Here's a list that’s non-negotiable:
Personal Identifiable Information (PII): Think your full name, address, phone number, or social security number. These are things that should stay between you and trusted platforms. Why? Because if this information falls into the wrong hands, it could lead to identity theft, fraud, and a lot of headaches.
Financial Information: ChatGPT is not a bank, and it doesn’t need your bank account details or credit card numbers. Sharing such information can put your finances at risk, especially if it's stored or passed to other apps without proper security.
Passwords and Login Credentials: Never share your passwords with anyone, even with AI tools. Why? If your password gets compromised, someone could access your accounts and personal info. Tip: Use two-factor authentication for added security.
Private or Confidential Information: AI chatbots aren’t equipped to understand the nuance behind personal secrets, confidential work info, or sensitive business details. Keep things private when interacting with these tools. Think about it this way—AI can’t offer the emotional intelligence a human can when assessing sensitive issues.
Intellectual Property or Proprietary Information: Do you have a brilliant idea for a new product? Keep it to yourself. Sharing your intellectual property, ideas, or patents with AI tools could open you up to the risk of theft or unauthorized use.
Quick Tip: Always ask yourself: Is this something I want others to see? If not, don’t share it with the bot.
Your Data Could Be Vulnerable
Here’s the cold, hard truth: no system is 100% secure. AI chatbots like ChatGPT may be safe, but they’re not immune to hacking. In fact, there was a major breach where over 100,000 ChatGPT user credentials were compromised and sold on the dark web marketplaces between June 2022 and May 2023.
What can you do to mitigate the risk? The first thing is to stay aware of the potential threats and take the necessary steps to protect your data—whether that’s using strong passwords, opting for encrypted connections, or simply avoiding sharing personal info unless absolutely necessary.
Final Thoughts
AI chatbots like ChatGPT are incredibly helpful tools, but they come with their own set of privacy risks. The key is to stay in control of your data. By following these simple tips—such as opting out of training, using temporary chat modes, and being mindful of what you share—you can enjoy the benefits of AI while keeping your personal information safe.
Remember, when in doubt, don’t share. Your privacy is important, and protecting it doesn’t have to be hard.
Do you use AI chatbots like ChatGPT? What steps have you taken to protect your privacy?
Let us know in the comments below!
References:
https://agileblue.com/5-things-that-you-should-never-share-with-chat-gpt/
https://yourstory.com/2024/06/chatgpt-data-privacy-tips