April 28, 2025
Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and the newly launched DeepSeek have transformed our interactions with technology, assisting with a wide range of tasks—from composing emails and generating content to creating grocery lists while adhering to your budget.
However, as these AI tools become integrated into our everyday lives, concerns regarding data privacy and security are increasingly prominent. What happens to the information you provide to these bots, and what risks might you be unknowingly facing?
These bots are constantly active, always listening, and continuously gathering data about you. Some may be more subtle about it, but all are collecting information.
Thus, the pressing question is: How much of your data are they accumulating, and where does it end up?
How Chatbots Collect And Use Your Data
When you engage with AI chatbots, the information you share doesn't simply disappear. Here's how these tools manage your data:
Data Collection: Chatbots analyze the text inputs you provide to produce relevant responses. This data can encompass personal information, sensitive content, or proprietary business material.
Data Storage: Depending on the platform, your interactions might be stored temporarily or for longer durations. 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 services.
- Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft collects similar information to OpenAI, along with your browsing history and interactions with other applications. This data could be shared with vendors and used for ad personalization or to train AI models.
- Google Gemini: Gemini records your conversations to improve Google products and services and machine learning technologies. A human might review your chats to enhance user experience, and data can be kept for up to three years, even if you delete your activity. Google claims it won't use this data for targeted advertising, but privacy policies can change.
- DeepSeek: This platform is more intrusive, collecting your prompts, chat history, location data, device information, and even your typing patterns. This data is utilized to train AI models, enhance user experience, and create targeted advertisements, providing advertisers insights into your behavior and preferences. All this information is stored on servers in the People's Republic of China.
Data Usage: The collected data is often used to improve the chatbot's performance, train AI models, and refine future interactions. However, this practice raises concerns about consent and the potential for misuse.
Potential Risks To Users
Using AI chatbots comes with its own set of risks. Here are some key concerns:
- Privacy Concerns: Sensitive information shared with chatbots may be accessible to developers or third parties, increasing the risk of data breaches or unauthorized usage. For instance, Microsoft's Copilot has faced criticism for potentially exposing confidential data due to excessive permissions.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Chatbots integrated into larger platforms can be exploited by malicious actors. Research indicates that Microsoft's Copilot could be manipulated to conduct harmful activities such as spear-phishing and data exfiltration.
- Regulatory And Compliance Issues: Utilizing chatbots that process data in non-compliance with regulations like GDPR can result in legal consequences. Some organizations 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 about how it will be managed.
- Review Privacy Policies: Understand each chatbot's data-handling practices. Some platforms, like ChatGPT, provide options to opt out of data retention or sharing.
- Utilize Privacy Controls: Tools such as Microsoft Purview offer resources to manage and mitigate risks associated with AI use, allowing organizations to implement protective and governance measures.
- Stay Informed: Keep updated on 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 remain 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 reducing potential risks.
Want to ensure your business stays secure in an
evolving digital landscape? Start with a FREE Discovery Call to identify
vulnerabilities and safeguard your data against cyberthreats.
Click
here or give us a call at 407-278-5664 to schedule your FREE Discovery Call today!