How to keep your data safe while using generative AI tools
Experts warn of rising privacy risks from generative AI; users should limit what they share and review opt-out options.
Generative AI tools have become a regular part of everyday life, both professionally and personally. Despite their usefulness, concern is growing about how they handle private data shared by users.
Major platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot collect user input to improve their models. Much of this data handling occurs behind the scenes, raising transparency and security concerns.
Anat Baron, a generative AI expert, compares AI models to Pac-Man—constantly consuming data to enhance performance. The more information they receive, the more helpful they become, often at the expense of privacy.
Many users ignore warnings not to share sensitive information. Baron advises against sharing anything with AI that one would not give to a stranger, including ID numbers, financial data, and medical results.
Some platforms offer options to reduce data collection. ChatGPT users can disable training under ‘Data Controls’, while Claude collects data only if users opt in. Perplexity and Gemini offer similar, though less transparent, settings.
Microsoft’s Copilot protects organisational data when logged in, but risks increase when used anonymously on the web. DeepSeek, however, collects user data automatically with no opt-out—making it a risky choice.
Users still retain control, but must remain alert. AI tools are evolving, and with digital agents on the horizon, safeguarding personal information is becoming even more critical. Baron sums it up simply: ‘Privacy always comes at a cost. We must decide how much we’re willing to trade for convenience.’
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