The concept of Artificial Intelligence is something we can no longer escape in our lives. Whether it is aiding in writing tasks and meal planning or providing professional opinions and developing marketing plans, AI applications, such as ChatGPT, have transformed how we think, work, and communicate.
However, this is an important fact: ChatGPT is not your journal, your lawyer, or your banker. It is an effective device, but it is not designed to process or protect sensitive information. In the same way that you would never give someone your ATM PIN, you should never tell AI certain things.
In this blog, we will discuss 10 things that you should never share with ChatGPT, not because the technology is unsafe, but because being a responsible citizen on the internet is one of the most important things in the world of AI.
Personal Identification Information
You should never enter personal information such as your full name, home address, phone number, passport information, or ID card numbers into the artificial intelligence chats. Once it is uploaded, you no longer have control over where that information is going. One thing to always keep in mind, your privacy is first.
Financial Information
Bank account numbers, credit card details, tax records or even salary slips are not part of an AI conversation. ChatGPT may assist users in clarifying financial concepts or developing a budgetary plan, but it is not a secure storage solution for financial information.
Login Credentials and passwords.
One of the most frequent errors made by people is to request AI to remember my password or create a login on my behalf. Although it is capable of generating tough passwords, you must never type in your actual passwords, PIN codes and account recovery information.
Corporate Secrets.
Businesses occasionally brainstorm through ChatGPT, yet be cautious. Withhold trade secrets, business strategies, company information and client lists. Those are secrets your competitors would love to know, yet ChatGPT is not the place to store them.
Medical Records and Health Data.
When speaking with ChatGPT, it is acceptable to ask about general health tips; however, do not provide lab results, medical history, prescriptions, or insurance information. The AI is able to describe conditions in simple terms; however, it cannot substitute a licensed medical specialist.
Legal Documents
AI should never be allowed to access contracts, legal disputes, or confidential case files. ChatGPT will be able to understand legal terminology using plain English, but can not provide any legal service or retain your court papers or contract.
Private Conversations
Want to copy-paste an argument with a friend, spouse, or colleague and ask them to give you advice? Be cautious. That discussion may contain confidential information, names, or emotional revelations that must be kept confidential. AI can be used as a guide, but anonymity must be eliminated.
Explicit Content
Do not post adult content, obscene language or otherwise harmful information. This is not only unethical to use, but it also conditions you to communicate with AI in non-professional manners. Conscious conversations will be the beginning of responsible AI use.
Real-Time Location
Avoid typing things like:
“I’m currently at [address].”
I will be alone at [specific location] tonight.
By telling them your real-time location, you risk losing your security and safety. ChatGPT is useful in planning a trip or suggesting the best restaurant in your area, but you should never stream your location.
Information You Wouldn’t Share with a Stranger.
The golden rule is here: do not tell ChatGPT things you would not tell a stranger on the street. AI is not your confidant, be it about your darkest secrets, family, or embarrassment. It is a productivity tool, not an emotional tool.
Why This Matters
AI is not here to kill human judgment. ChatGPT is as magical as you use it. Request it to create an email, to brainstorm business ideas, or to create content on your blog–but set boundaries around personal, legal, or financial information.
AI usage can be safe, allowing you to safeguard your identity, your privacy, and the reputation of your profession. With these rules, you gain AI advantages without unnecessarily exposing yourself to risk.
The Gist
ChatGPT is an amazing, creative, learning, and productive partner. However, it is as safe as you want it to be. It is your own information. Store sensitive information offline, and you will discover that AI can be a powerful tool without stepping too far.
The next time you type in ChatGPT, ask yourself: Would I say this aloud to a stranger? If no, then make it confidential.
