What you shouldn't share with Chat GBT... 10 important warnings
Imagine sharing your feelings and personal problems with ChatGPT, thinking it's a safe place, only to discover later that what you shared might be stored, analyzed, or even viewed by others.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, AI expert Mike Wooldridge warned that confiding in ChatGPT about personal matters or opinions, such as work complaints or political preferences, could have consequences.
Therefore, it's unwise to share private information with a chatbot, as the disclosed data contributes to training future versions.
Wooldridge emphasizes that users shouldn't expect a balanced response, as this technology tends to "tell you what you want to hear," according to Interesting Engineering.
Your secrets may be published on Google!
Fast Company discovered nearly 4,500 conversations by entering snippets of shared links into Google search. Many of the records contained information that no one would intentionally post on the open internet.
While the search results didn't reveal the full identities of the users, many included their names, locations, and other details from the recorded conversations.
Some of the chat logs revealed that many people were discussing personal issues on GBT chat, including anxiety, addiction, abuse, and other sensitive topics, according to TechSpot.
What information should not be shared with chat GPT ?
1 - Your personal information
What it means: Your full name, home address, phone number, email address, or Social Security number.
What's the risk: These chatbots process data in ways you can't control; it may be stored or displayed.
2 - Financial Information
What to avoid: Bank account numbers, credit card details, and online payment credentials.
What's at risk: Hackers could exploit sensitive data if it's leaked.
Tip: When budgeting with AI, only share general figures; never share actual account details.
3 - Passwords and login credentials
Example of a mistake: “Hi Chat GBT, my Gmail password is Sunshine2026! Can you remind me later?”
Why this is risky: AI cannot store or securely protect your credentials.
Tip: Use a password manager instead.
4 - confidential business or work data
What to avoid: Internal reports, unreleased projects, employee details, and proprietary strategies.
Example of a mistake: “Drafting a press release about our unreleased iPhone model.”
Why this is risky: Sharing company secrets via a chatbot may violate non-disclosure agreements or company policies.
Tip: Keep business inquiries public unless your company is using a proprietary AI model.
5 - Medical records and health data
What to avoid: Your diagnosis, prescriptions, or insurance details.
Example of a mistake: “I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last week. Can you suggest meal plans?”
Why this is risky: AI is not a licensed physician, and your data may not be secure.
Tip: Ask general health questions like, “What foods are generally recommended for someone with diabetes?” without sharing personal records.
6 - Legal issues or case details
Example of a mistake: “I’m in a custody battle. Here are the court documents. Can you help me win?”
Why this is risky: Chatbots are not lawyers, and legal data could be misinterpreted.
Tip: Use AI for general legal concepts, but always consult a qualified lawyer for actual cases.
7 - Sensitive personal stories
What to avoid: Painful experiences, details of your marriage, or personal confessions.
Example of a mistake: “My partner cheated on me, and I’m depressed. Should I leave him?”
Why this is risky: Your vulnerability could be exploited if your data is accessed.
Tip: Seek emotional support from trusted friends, therapists, or counselors, not chatbots.
8 - Identity cards and government documents
What to avoid: Passport numbers, driver's license numbers, national ID numbers.
Example of a mistake: “This is my passport number for the visa application: X1234567. Can you coordinate the application?”
Risk: Identity theft is a real threat.
Tip: Use sample numbers if you need help coordinating.
9 - Private conversations or third-party information
What to avoid: Sharing personal information with other people without their consent.
Example of a mistake: “This is my friend’s resume. Can you rate it?”
Risk: Violates privacy boundaries and may damage trust.
Tip: Remove personal identifiers before sharing documents.
10 - Anything you don't post publicly online
The golden rule: If you wouldn't share it on social media, don't share it with AI.
Why this is risky: Once your data leaves your hands, you lose control of its path.
Tip: Consider AI-powered chatbots as public tools, not personal diaries, as LinkedIn points out.
