Think Before You Chat: AI Is Listening.

AI chatbots have quickly become part of daily life, helping us brainstorm ideas, answer questions, and save time with just a few keystrokes. But as these digital assistants grow smarter and more accessible, it’s easy to forget that every conversation leaves a digital footprint. Before you dive into your next chat, take a moment to consider what’s really happening behind the scenes—and how you can keep your privacy protected.

But here’s the catch: Chatbots don’t keep secrets. For example, Samsung employees accidentally leaked confidential code while using it. Once shared, your data may be beyond your control.

AI chatbots are convenient, but every chat creates data—some of it personal. Here’s how to protect your privacy while using them.

  • Use Without Logging In
    • If possible, use Chatbots without logging in. You’ll lose some features, but your data stays more private.
  • Lock Down Your Account
    • If you sign up, don’t use Google or Facebook. Use a unique email and a strong password.
    • If available, use ‘Sign in with Apple’ to hide your email.
    • Check privacy settings—use features like Temporary Chat mode to keep conversations off your history.
  • Limit Phone & Browser Data Sharing
    • Review and restrict what permissions Chatbots have on your device. Only allow what’s necessary.
    • Disable unnecessary permissions for more privacy.
  • Opt Out of AI Training
    • Opt out of letting your chats train the AI if privacy matters to you.
  • Don’t Share Sensitive Info
    • Think before you share. AI chatbots aren’t human and can’t keep secrets.

What Not to Share

Never share these with Chatbots:

  • Personal info (name, address, SSN)
  • Financial details
  • Passwords
  • Confidential info
  • Intellectual property

If you wouldn’t want it public, don’t share it.

Your Data Isn’t 100% Safe

No system is perfectly secure. For example, in 2022–2023, over 100,000 ChatGPT user credentials were leaked and sold on the dark web.

Protect yourself: use strong passwords, encrypted connections, and limit personal data sharing.

Final Thoughts

AI chatbots like ChatGPT are powerful and convenient, but privacy isn’t guaranteed. Stay in control: use privacy features, limit what you share, and always think before you type.

When in doubt, don’t share.