How to use AI tools safely without sharing too much personal data
Learn how to use AI tools safely without risking your personal data. These simple steps help you avoid sharing sensitive details, understand privacy settings, and protect yourself while still getting the most out of AI chatbots.
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.
Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com
