April 28, 2025
Chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and the newly launched DeepSeek have transformed our interactions with technology, providing support for a wide range of tasks—from composing emails and generating content to creating grocery lists that fit within a budget.
However, as these AI tools become integral to our daily lives, concerns regarding data privacy and security are increasingly prominent. What happens to the information you provide to these chatbots, and what risks might you be unknowingly facing?
These bots are constantly active, listening, and gathering data about you. While some may be more subtle in their approach, they all collect information.
Thus, the pressing question is: How much data are they gathering, and where does it end up?
How Chatbots Collect And Use Your Data
Interacting with AI chatbots means that the data you share is not simply lost. Here's how these tools manage your information:
Data Collection: Chatbots analyze the text you input to generate appropriate responses, which may include personal details, sensitive information, or proprietary business content.
Data Storage: Depending on the specific platform, your interactions may be temporarily or permanently stored. For example:
- ChatGPT: OpenAI gathers your prompts, device details, location, and usage data. They may also share this information with vendors and service providers to enhance their offerings.
- Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft collects similar information as OpenAI, along with your browsing history and interactions with other applications. This data may be shared with vendors and used for ad personalization or to train AI models.
- Google Gemini: Gemini records your conversations to enhance Google's products and services and improve machine learning technologies. Human reviewers may analyze your chats to refine user experience, and data can be retained for up to three years, even if you delete your activity. Google asserts that this data won't be used for targeted ads, but privacy policies can change.
- DeepSeek: This platform takes a more intrusive approach, collecting your prompts, chat history, location data, device information, and even your typing patterns. This information is used to train AI models, enhance user experience, and create targeted ads, providing advertisers with insights into your behavior and preferences. Notably, all this data is stored on servers in the People's Republic of China.
Data Usage: The information collected is typically used to improve chatbot performance, train AI models, and enhance future interactions. However, this raises concerns about consent and the possibility of misuse.
Potential Risks To Users
Using AI chatbots comes with certain risks. Here are some key issues to consider:
- Privacy Concerns: Sensitive information shared with chatbots may be accessible to developers or third parties, leading to potential data breaches or unauthorized usage. For instance, Microsoft's Copilot has faced criticism for possibly exposing confidential data due to excessive permissions.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Chatbots that are part of larger platforms can be susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors. Research indicates that Microsoft's Copilot could be manipulated for harmful activities like spear-phishing and data theft.
- Regulatory And Compliance Issues: Utilizing chatbots that handle data in non-compliant ways with regulations like GDPR can result in legal consequences. Some companies have limited the use of tools like ChatGPT due to concerns over data storage and compliance.
Mitigating The Risks
To safeguard yourself while using AI chatbots:
- Be Cautious With Sensitive Information: Refrain from sharing confidential or personally identifiable information unless you are confident in how it will be managed.
- Review Privacy Policies: Understand the data-handling practices of each chatbot. Some platforms, such as ChatGPT, provide options to opt out of data retention or sharing.
- Utilize Privacy Controls: Tools like Microsoft Purview offer resources to manage and mitigate risks associated with AI usage, enabling organizations to establish protection and governance measures.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes to privacy policies and data-handling practices of the AI tools you utilize.
The Bottom Line
While AI chatbots provide considerable advantages in efficiency and productivity, it is essential to be cautious about the data you share and comprehend how it is utilized. By taking proactive measures to safeguard your information, you can benefit from these tools while minimizing potential risks.
Want to ensure your business stays secure in an evolving digital landscape? Start with a FREE 10-Minute Conversation to identify vulnerabilities and safeguard your data against cyberthreats.
Click
here or give us a call at 435-313-8132 to schedule your FREE 10-Minute Conversation today!
