Using AI safely: 7 rules to protect your privacy
What you type into a chatbot goes to a company's servers. With these seven rules, you can use AI without unnecessary risks to your privacy.
An AI chatbot feels like a private conversation, but everything you type goes to the servers of a company. If you want to use AI safely, it helps to know what you should and should not share. With these seven rules, you get the most out of AI without unnecessary risks for yourself, your customers or your employer.
Why does privacy matter when you use AI?
What you type or upload into a chatbot leaves your computer and ends up with the company behind the tool. There it can be stored, reviewed for checks or used to improve the AI. That depends on your settings.
This is not just theory. The Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) received several reports of data breaches in which employees had put customer or patient data into an AI chatbot, reports Security.NL. The regulator warns that you are then effectively sharing that data with a tech company, without the people concerned knowing.
New to this kind of tool? Then start by reading what AI is and how it works. You will also understand better why you should be careful about what you share.
Using AI safely: what are the 7 rules?
The core idea is simple: only share what you would be happy to post in a public place, and check your settings. These seven rules will help you do that.
- No passwords or codes. Never type passwords, PINs or login codes into a chatbot.
- No identity details. Your national ID number (BSN in the Netherlands), passport number or bank account number don’t belong there.
- No medical details about other people. If you ask something about health, keep it general and don’t mention names.
- No confidential work information. Only share customer data, contracts and internal figures in a tool your employer has approved.
- Make data anonymous. Replace names with customer A or colleague B before you paste a text.
- Check your settings. Many tools have a setting that lets you choose whether your conversations may be used to train the AI, and whether the tool remembers things about you.
- Watch out for fakes. Only download AI apps from the official maker. Fake apps and fake websites try to steal data or money.
What can and can’t you share with a chatbot?
General questions and anonymised texts are usually fine. Personal and confidential information is not. This table helps you decide quickly.
| Fine to share | Better not, or only anonymised | Never share |
|---|---|---|
| General questions, such as an explanation of a term | An email to a customer, with names replaced | Passwords, PINs and login codes |
| A public text you want to shorten | A report of a meeting, without names and details | National ID number, passport number or account number |
| Ideas for a presentation or social media post | A question about health, without names | Medical data about other people, contracts and customer files |
Want to know how to ask good questions without sensitive details? In our article on what a prompt is, you can read how to write a clear instruction.
How do you change your privacy settings?
In most AI tools, you will find an option in the settings to choose whether your conversations may be used to train the AI. Turn it off if you don’t want that.
In ChatGPT, this option is called Improve the model for everyone. You can find it in the settings under Data Controls. According to OpenAI’s explanation, your new conversations are no longer used to train models if you turn this option off. Also check whether the tool has a memory feature and what it stores about you.
Using ChatGPT for the first time? Our guide for beginners helps you get started step by step.
How do you spot deepfakes and AI scams?
Do you get an urgent request for money, even from someone you know? Always check it through another channel. For example, call that person yourself on a number you already had.
With AI, scammers can make increasingly realistic messages, voices and videos. A familiar voice on the phone is therefore no longer proof. If in doubt, ask a question only the two of you can answer. Have you become a victim anyway? Then report it to the Dutch Fraud Helpdesk (Fraudehelpdesk) and file a report with the police, advises Radar from AVROTROS.
How do you anonymise a text with the help of AI?
First remove the names yourself, then let AI check whether any recognisable details are left. That way you never share the real data.
Frequently asked questions
Does anyone read what I type into a chatbot?
They might. Depending on the tool and your settings, conversations are stored and sometimes reviewed for checks. So assume that what you type is not private.
Is a business version of an AI tool safer?
Often it is. With business versions, you can usually make agreements about how data is processed. Always read the terms, though, and talk to your employer or the person responsible for privacy.
What do I do if I accidentally shared sensitive data?
Delete the conversation. Did you share a password? Change it straight away. Was it data about customers or colleagues at work? Tell your employer immediately, because it could be a data breach.
Can I use AI for my work?
That depends on the rules within your organisation. Ask which tools are approved and what data you may put into them.
Your next step
Open the settings of the AI tool you use most today and check whether your conversations are used for training. Want to go further after that? Read how to start with AI at work safely and smartly.
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