ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, Claude, Gemini, and other generative AI (also known as gen AI) platforms are becoming more common in our daily lives. You might be using them to write letters, plan trips, create new recipes, or even draft resumes. While these tools can be very helpful, it’s important to understand how to protect your information when using them.
How Generative AI Uses Your Information
Unlike traditional search engines, like Google, Yahoo, or Bing, generative AI platforms often store the information from your prompts or questions in order to improve their responses. This data can include user profile details like IP address, location, device information, or browser cookies. The general nature of gen AI often causes individuals to enter in more information than they need to in order to get the response they are looking for. While this helps make AI smarter, it can also create privacy risks. Currently, many AI tools are not subject to government regulations.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Understand how the gen AI tools work
- Remember that your information from the chat questions or prompts are being stored.
- Only share necessary information (avoid personal information).
- Keep your information safe
- Consider creating a separate email address for AI tools. Avoid using the email account you use for banking, work, social media, or other personal accounts.
- Use the same caution with the phone number you use, if you have to enter one.
- Use a VPN to also help anonymize your profile.
- Choose a tool you feel comfortable with
- Use a reputable, well-known platform. Be cautious in using an experimental AI tool.
- Secure your account
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
- Keep devices and software updated.
- Run antivirus software regularly.
- Be discreet and diligent
- Never enter sensitive personal information such as names, birthdays, SSNs, credit card numbers, addresses.
- Avoid putting in your personal information.
- Opt out of any data collection or model learning that the gen AI tool offers.
- Log off after each session or don’t log in if you don’t have to.
- Regularly delete your cookies from the tool and your computer.
Gen AI tools are a simple way to help with simple tasks, but remember they are just tools! Taking security measures when using gen AI will help protect your information online,
Learn More at the Library
Join us for AI, Cybersecurity, and Your Digital Privacy on Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM in Meeting Room 3. Register here.
References
AI Tools and Your Privacy: What You Need to Know, J.P. Morgan, June 2025
Your ChatGPT Privacy Questions Answered, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, August 2024