How to Keep Your Data Private When Using AI Chatbots

How to Keep Your Data Private When Using AI Chatbots

AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude have become indispensable tools for developers, tech enthusiasts, and everyday users. Whether you’re debugging code, analyzing medical results, or just having a conversation, these tools can be incredibly helpful. However, it’s important to remember that what you share with chatbots might not stay private.

In this article, we’ll explore why you should be cautious about the information you provide to AI chatbots and share actionable steps to protect your privacy.

Why Privacy Matters with AI Chatbots

The more you interact with a chatbot, the more useful it becomes. Users often upload medical reports for interpretation or share code snippets for troubleshooting. But experts warn: treat your conversations with AI tools as if they could become public.

AI companies are eager for data to improve their models, but even they advise caution. For example:

  • OpenAI (ChatGPT): «Please don’t share confidential information in your conversations.»
  • Google (Gemini): «Don’t enter sensitive data or information you wouldn’t want reviewed.»

If a data breach occurs or if your chat history is subpoenaed, your private information could be exposed. That’s why it’s crucial to know what not to share and how to keep your interactions secure.

What Not to Share with AI Chatbots

AI chatbots can feel surprisingly human, which sometimes leads users to overshare. But as Jennifer King from Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute puts it: «Once you type something into a chatbot, you no longer control it.»

Here are the types of information you should avoid sharing:

  • Personal Data:

    • Passport numbers, driver’s license details, date of birth, address, phone numbers.
    • Even if chatbots try to mask this data, it’s best not to enter it at all.

  • Medical Information:

    • If you need help interpreting test results, remove any personal identifiers before uploading documents or images.

  • Financial Details:

    • Bank account numbers, investment details, or any sensitive financial information should never be shared.

  • Corporate Secrets:

    • Avoid sharing client data, proprietary code, or anything covered by a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
    • Some companies, like Samsung, have banned ChatGPT after sensitive code was leaked.
    • If you need AI at work, use enterprise versions with enhanced data protection.

  • Passwords and Logins:

    • Never share passwords or login credentials. Use a password manager instead.

How to Protect Your Privacy When Using Chatbots

Even if you avoid sharing sensitive information, there are additional steps you can take to further protect your privacy:

1. Delete Your Chat History

  • Regularly delete your conversations, especially after discussing anything sensitive.
  • Most companies permanently erase deleted data after about 30 days.
  • Note: Some services, like DeepSeek (based in China), may store your data indefinitely with no opt-out option.

2. Use Temporary Chat Modes

  • ChatGPT offers a «Temporary Chat» mode, similar to an incognito browser window. Enable this to prevent your conversations from being saved or used for training.

3. Ask Questions Anonymously

  • Services like Duck.ai (by DuckDuckGo) anonymize your queries to Claude, GPT, and others, and promise not to use them for training. However, features may be limited (e.g., no file uploads).

4. Adjust Your Privacy Settings

  • ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini allow you to opt out of having your chats used for training. Check your settings and adjust them for maximum privacy.

5. Use Strong Security Practices

  • Always use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts.

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Safe

AI chatbots are powerful tools, but they aren’t private diaries. Always think twice before sharing anything sensitive. Use privacy features, delete your chat history, and avoid entering personal or confidential information.

Quick Tips:

  • Treat every chatbot conversation as potentially public.
  • Use temporary or anonymous chat modes when possible.
  • Regularly review and update your privacy settings.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy the benefits of AI chatbots while keeping your data safe and secure.