The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, has revolutionized the way individuals interact with technology. These tools, used for tasks like answering questions, drafting emails, and offering emotional support, are becoming increasingly integrated into daily life. Their user-friendly interfaces and capacity to mimic human responses contribute to their trustworthiness.
However, experts warn that excessive data sharing with AI can lead to severe problems, potentially affecting personal privacy. This guide provides key information on precautions to take when using AI.
**Personal Details**
Sharing information such as a full name, home address, telephone number, or email address might seem insignificant. However, combining these details can expose one’s online identity. This exposed data can be used for fraudulent activities, phishing attacks, or tracking.
**Banking Information**
Inputting bank account numbers or credit card details into a chatbot can lead to data interception, increasing the risk of fraud and identity theft. Banking information should only be shared through secure, official means, not with AI platforms.
**Passwords**
Avoid sharing login credentials with any chatbot. Sharing passwords, even casually, can compromise email accounts, banking details, and social media profiles. Cybersecurity professionals advise storing passwords only in secure password managers, and never in AI chats.
**Health and Medical Data**
While using chatbots to ask about symptoms or treatments may seem convenient, AI does not offer licensed medical advice. Sharing personal health data—including medical records, prescriptions, and insurance information—can pose risks.
**Document Protection**
Never upload identity cards, passports, driver’s licenses, or personal photos to chatbots. Even after deletion, digital records can remain. Sensitive files are vulnerable to hacking, misuse, and identity theft. Store sensitive documents offline or in secure, encrypted storage. Always prioritize the security of your documents and avoid sharing them with AI.