April 24, 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—everything from drafting emails and creating content to organizing your grocery list within your budget.
However, as these AI tools become integrated into our everyday lives, concerns regarding data privacy and security are increasingly pressing. What happens to the information you provide to these bots, and what risks might you unknowingly face?
These chatbots are constantly active, listening, and gathering data about you. While some may be more subtle about their data collection, all of them engage in this practice.
This leads to the critical question: How much of your data are they gathering, and where does it end up?
How Chatbots Collect And Use Your Data
When you engage with AI chatbots, the information you provide does not simply disappear. Here's how these tools manage your data:
Data Collection: Chatbots analyze the text inputs you give to generate appropriate responses. This information can encompass personal details, sensitive data, or proprietary business content.
Data Storage: Depending on the specific platform, your interactions might be stored temporarily or for longer durations. For example:
- ChatGPT: OpenAI gathers your prompts, device details, your access 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 as OpenAI, along with your browsing history and interactions with other applications. This data may be shared with vendors and used 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." Human reviewers might assess your chats to improve user experience, and the data can be stored for up to three years, even if you delete your activity. Google asserts it won't use this data for targeted advertising, but privacy policies can change.
- DeepSeek: This platform is notably more invasive, 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 develop targeted ads, offering advertisers insights into your behavior and preferences. Additionally, all this data is stored on servers in the People's Republic of China.
Data Usage: The collected data is frequently used to improve the chatbot's performance, train AI models, and enhance future interactions. However, this practice raises concerns about consent and the potential for misuse.
Potential Risks To Users
Interacting with AI chatbots carries certain risks. Here are a few to be aware of:
- 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 that are part of larger platforms can be exploited by malicious actors. Research indicates that Microsoft's Copilot could be manipulated to conduct harmful activities like spear-phishing and data exfiltration.
- Regulatory And Compliance Issues: Utilizing chatbots that handle data in non-compliance with regulations like GDPR can result in legal consequences. Some organizations have restricted the use of tools like ChatGPT due to concerns regarding 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 features to manage and mitigate risks associated with AI usage, enabling organizations to implement protective and governance measures.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with updates and changes to privacy policies and data-handling practices of the AI tools you utilize.
The Bottom Line
While AI chatbots provide considerable advantages in terms of efficiency and productivity, it is essential to be cautious about the data you share and to understand its usage. By taking proactive measures to protect your information, you can reap the benefits of these tools while reducing potential risks.
Want to ensure your business stays secure in an
evolving digital landscape? Start with a FREE Consult to identify
vulnerabilities and safeguard your data against cyberthreats.
Click
here or give us a call at 954-327-1001 to schedule your FREE Consult today!
