How to use AI tools safely without sharing too much personal data

Understand what AI tools can see
Before typing anything, remember that most AI tools store your chats to improve their systems. This means your messages may be reviewed internally. Treat every conversation like you would a public forum. If something feels too personal to share with a stranger, it is too personal for an AI too.

Avoid typing sensitive information
Never share details like your phone number, address, passwords, bank information, ID numbers or private conversations. AI does not need these to help you. Even if the tool feels friendly or helpful, keep your personal identity out of the chat to avoid long term privacy risks.

Use the AI for general guidance, not personal decisions
Ask AI tools for ideas, tips or explanations, but avoid sharing intimate problems or making serious life decisions based on their replies. These systems may sound confident, but they can be wrong or misleading. Keep the conversation broad and avoid turning AI into a personal advisor.

Check the privacy settings in your app
Most AI apps let you turn off chat history or limit how your data is used. Spend a minute looking at the settings and switch off anything you do not want stored. This small step reduces how much information the company keeps about your conversations and behaviour.

Think before you paste anything into the chat
Many people copy whole documents, screenshots or emails without realising what information might be inside. Always review what you are sharing. Remove names, addresses or anything personal. A few seconds of caution can protect your privacy while still letting you get the help you need from AI.