Privacy with chatbots
What can happen to the things you type into a chatbot, what to keep private, and simple privacy habits.
Chatbots feel private, like talking to a friend. But be careful what you share. Talking to a chatbot can feel private, like chatting with a friend. But it isn't quite like that. The company that runs the chatbot may keep what you type. So it's important to think before you share.
What can happen to your chats
Your chats may be stored, on the company's computers, sometimes reviewed by staff, to check for safety problems, and sometimes used to train and improve the A I, unless you turn that off in the settings. Look at this message. It includes a full name, a home address, a phone number, and even an I D number. The chatbot doesn't need any of that. This version removes the private details, and the chatbot can still help just as well.
Fine to share, and keep private
It's fine to share things like homework questions, story ideas, and general questions. Keep private your passwords, PINs and codes, your home address and phone number, your B V N, N I N and bank details, and other people's secrets.
New word: Personal information
Details like these are called personal information. It's anything that could identify you, or help a stranger find you. On its own, a first name is usually fine. But a full name with your school, address or phone number says too much.
Privacy habits
Build these habits. First, remove names and numbers before you paste anything. Second, check the privacy settings, such as chat history, and whether your chats can be used for training. Third, delete chats you don't need any more. And fourth, remember that an A I inside an app, like WhatsApp or Instagram, can read whatever you send to it.
Quick check
Quick check. Which of these is safe to type into a chatbot? Explain how volcanoes erupt. It's a general question, with no personal information. Options: Explain how volcanoes erupt; My bank PIN is 4821; My address is 14 Adeola Street; My friend's secret is....
Recap
Chats may be stored, and reviewed. Never share passwords, PINs or I D numbers. Remove personal details before pasting. And check your settings, and delete old chats.
Key points
- Chatbot companies may store your chats, staff may review them for safety, and some use them to improve their AI unless you turn that off.
- Fine to share: homework questions, story ideas, general questions. Keep private: passwords, PINs, codes, your address and phone number, BVN, NIN, bank details and other people's secrets.
- Personal information is anything that could identify you or help a stranger find you.
- Remove names and numbers before pasting, check privacy settings, delete chats you don't need, and remember AI inside apps can read what you send it.
Try it: Share or keep private?
Sort each thing into the right box.