In the age of artificial intelligence, more and more people are turning to tools like ChatGPT to get quick answers, generate ideas, or simply chat. However, many users are unaware of a crucial aspect: conversations with these systems are not legally protected like those with lawyers, doctors, or therapists. This means that the personal information shared may not be confidential and could even be used as part of legal research or model training.
Warning from the Top
Recently, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, publicly warned users not to share personal secrets or sensitive information with ChatGPT. This warning is not insignificant. In the midst of a legal battle with The New York Times, a US court ordered OpenAI to retain all user conversations, including those that users have deleted or that were generated temporarily. This decision has raised alarms about how privacy is handled when using these tools.
Understanding the Limits of AI Privacy
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into our daily lives—from virtual assistants to educational and professional platforms—it becomes increasingly necessary to understand the limits of privacy. Many people assume that their interactions with these platforms are private or ephemeral, but in reality, they can be stored, analyzed, or even presented in court as evidence.
Legal Gaps and Responsibility
Furthermore, the growth of AI has outpaced regulation in many countries. There are still no clear laws protecting users from the misuse of their data in interactions with intelligent systems. In this context, the responsibility for protecting personal data falls largely on the user.
So, what can you do to protect yourself?
- Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as full names, addresses, ID numbers, passwords, or banking details.
- Use AI for informational or creative purposes, but without revealing intimate aspects of your personal or professional life.
- Review the privacy policies of each tool before using it, especially if it involves new or little-known platforms.
- Stay up-to-date on legal changes related to the use of artificial intelligence in your country.
A Final Thought
In short, while artificial intelligence offers great benefits and opportunities, it also poses significant challenges in terms of privacy and security. Thinking before sharing isn’t just a recommendation: it’s a necessity. Technology advances, but the responsibility remains human.
Seriously