April 28, 2025
Chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and the newly launched DeepSeek have transformed our interactions with technology, providing help with a wide range of tasks—from composing emails and creating content to organizing your grocery list while adhering to your budget.
However, as these AI tools become integrated into our everyday lives, concerns surrounding data privacy and security are increasingly important. What happens to the information you provide to these bots, and what dangers might you unknowingly face?
These bots are constantly active, always listening, and continually gathering data about you. While some may be more subtle in their data collection, all of them engage in this practice.
Thus, the critical 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 does not simply disappear. Here's how these tools manage your data:
Data Collection: Chatbots analyze the text you input to generate appropriate responses. This can involve personal details, sensitive information, or confidential business content.
Data Storage: Depending on the platform, your interactions might be stored temporarily or for longer durations. For example:
- ChatGPT: OpenAI gathers your prompts, device information, your location, and usage data. They may also share this information with "vendors and service providers" to enhance their services.
- Microsoft Copilot: Similar to OpenAI, Microsoft collects your prompts, device information, and location, along with your browsing history and interactions with other applications. This data might be shared with vendors and utilized to tailor advertisements or train AI models.
- Google Gemini: Gemini records your conversations to "provide, improve, and develop Google products and services and machine learning technologies." A human may review your chats to enhance 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 is more intrusive. DeepSeek gathers 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 advertisements, providing advertisers with insights into your behavior and preferences. Notably, all this data is stored on servers located in China.
Data Usage: The data collected is typically used to improve the chatbot's functionality, train the underlying AI models, and enhance future interactions. However, this raises concerns about consent and the potential for misuse.
Potential Risks To Users
Using AI chatbots carries certain risks. Here are some points to consider:
- Privacy Concerns: Sensitive information shared with chatbots may be accessible to developers or third parties, which could lead to data breaches or unauthorized usage. For instance, Microsoft Copilot has faced criticism for potentially exposing confidential data due to excessive permissions.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Chatbots that are part of larger platforms can be exploited by malicious actors. Research has indicated that Microsoft's Copilot could be manipulated to conduct harmful activities like spear-phishing and data exfiltration.
- Regulatory And Compliance Issues: Engaging with 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 regarding data storage and regulatory 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 the data-handling practices of each chatbot. Some platforms, like ChatGPT, allow users to opt out of data retention or sharing.
- Utilize Privacy Controls: Tools like Microsoft Purview offer capabilities to manage and reduce risks associated with AI usage, enabling 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 use.
The Bottom Line
While AI chatbots provide substantial advantages in terms of efficiency and productivity, it is essential to be cautious about the data you share and to comprehend how it is utilized. By taking proactive measures to protect 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 15-Minute Discovery Call to identify
vulnerabilities and safeguard your data against cyberthreats.
Click
here or give us a call at 214-845-8198 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!
