ChatGPT May Steal Your Personal Data- Stay Alert Before It's Too Late!

Tech News: Until just a few years ago, it was hard to imagine that a computer program could understand human language and respond in the same tone and style. But with the evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI), that has now become a reality. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are revolutionizing how we learn, work, and create. They have become indispensable for students, professionals, and content creators around the world. In fact, India ranks second globally in terms of the number of ChatGPT users, highlighting the tool’s rapid integration into daily life.

However, alongside its growing popularity, concerns about data privacy and cybersecurity have also intensified. In 2024, for example, Samsung restricted the use of ChatGPT by its employees after a sensitive source code was accidentally shared on the platform. This incident raised questions about how secure our data really is on such tools.

What Kind of Data Does ChatGPT Collect?

ChatGPT stores two main types of information:

• Technical Data: This includes your location, browser type, device details, and how frequently and when you use the platform.
• User-Generated Data: Any information you voluntarily provide in a conversation—such as your name, email address, or specific queries—is stored and may be used by OpenAI to improve the system’s performance.

Can ChatGPT Lead to a Data Leak?

According to Dr. Pavan Duggal, a leading cyber law and AI security expert, there is a risk—however limited—of data being exposed. Since ChatGPT stores input on its servers, any sensitive data like company secrets, login credentials, or personal identifiers, if shared unknowingly, could potentially fall into the wrong hands. The platform is not designed to be a secure storage for confidential data.

Top 6 Cyber Risks You Should Be Aware Of

• Unintentional sharing of sensitive or confidential information
• Exposure to phishing or online fraud
• Legal risks due to terms of service violations
• Relying on outdated or incorrect data for decision-making
• Unauthorized third-party access to stored information
• Risk of identity theft through shared personal information

What Information Should You Never Share on ChatGPT?

• Bank account numbers or IFSC codes
• Credit/debit card details or CVV codes
• Passwords or OTPs
• Aadhaar, PAN, or passport numbers
• Confidential company data, reports, or proprietary code

How Does OpenAI Keep ChatGPT Secure?

To ensure user safety, OpenAI follows several key protocols:

• Data Encryption & Privacy Filters: Conversations are stored on encrypted servers, and sensitive information is filtered or redacted when possible.
• Content Moderation Tools: Harmful, abusive, or misleading content is actively monitored and restricted through automated systems.
• Expert-Led Training: ChatGPT is trained under the guidance of cybersecurity, policy, and ethics experts to ensure responsible output.
• User Privacy Controls: Users can opt out of having their conversations used for model training by adjusting their privacy settings.
• Frequent Security Updates: OpenAI conducts regular audits and adds new protective measures as soon as any security vulnerabilities are detected.

Tips for Using ChatGPT Safely

• Treat ChatGPT as a technical assistant, not a human confidante.
• Avoid sharing any personally identifiable or sensitive financial information.
• Verify facts from trusted sources before acting on ChatGPT’s suggestions.
• Adjust and review your privacy settings regularly.
• Stay alert and use common sense when interacting with AI platforms.

Can ChatGPT Provide Wrong Information?

Yes. Since ChatGPT is trained on vast amounts of internet data, it may occasionally provide outdated, inaccurate, or incomplete answers. For critical decisions—legal, financial, or medical—it’s best to consult human experts.

A Powerful Tool—But Handle with Care

There’s no doubt that ChatGPT is a game-changer in the world of communication and automation. It’s intelligent, fast, and incredibly helpful. But like all powerful tools, it comes with its share of risks. Knowing what to share, what to avoid, and how to stay secure is key to making the most of this technology without compromising your privacy.

Awareness is the first step to safety. In the age of AI, caution is not optional—it’s essential.