April 28, 2025
Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and the recently released DeepSeek have transformed how we interact with technology, providing help with nearly every task imaginable—from drafting emails and generating content to creating grocery lists that stay within your budget.
However, as these AI-driven tools become part of our everyday lives, concerns about data privacy and security are increasingly difficult to ignore. What actually happens to the information you share with these bots, and what risks might you be unknowingly facing?
These bots are always active, always listening, and always collecting data about you. Some do so more subtly than others, but make no mistake—they are all gathering information.
So, the key question is: How much of your data are they collecting, and where does it go?
How Chatbots Collect And Use Your Data
When you interact with AI chatbots, the data you provide doesn't just disappear. Here's how these tools handle your information:
Data Collection: Chatbots process the text you input to generate relevant responses. This data can include personal details, sensitive information, or proprietary business content.
Data Storage: Depending on the platform, your interactions may be stored temporarily or for longer periods. For example:
- ChatGPT: OpenAI collects your prompts, device information, your location, and usage data. They may also share this data with vendors and service providers to improve their services.
- Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft collects similar data as OpenAI but also gathers your browsing history and interactions with other apps. This information might be shared with vendors and used to personalize ads or train AI models.
- Google Gemini: Gemini logs your conversations to provide, improve, and develop Google products, services, and machine learning technologies. Humans may review your chats to enhance user experience, and the data can be retained for up to three years even if you delete your activity. Google states it won't use this data for targeted ads, but privacy policies can change.
- DeepSeek: This chatbot is more invasive. DeepSeek collects your prompts, chat history, location data, device information, and even your typing patterns. This data is used to train AI models, improve user experience, and create targeted ads, offering advertisers insights into your behavior and preferences. All this data is stored on servers located in the People's Republic of China.
Data Usage: The collected data is typically used to improve chatbot performance, train AI models, and enhance future interactions. However, this practice raises concerns about consent and potential misuse.
Potential Risks To Users
Using AI chatbots comes with risks to be aware of:
- Privacy Concerns: Sensitive information shared with chatbots may be accessible to developers or third parties, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized use. For example, Microsoft's Copilot has faced criticism for possibly exposing confidential data due to excessive permissions.
- Security Vulnerabilities: Chatbots integrated into larger platforms can be exploited by malicious actors. Research has shown that Microsoft's Copilot could be manipulated to carry out harmful activities like spear-phishing and data theft.
- Regulatory And Compliance Issues: Using chatbots that handle data in ways that don't comply with regulations such as GDPR can lead to legal problems. Some companies have restricted tools like ChatGPT due to concerns over data storage and compliance.
Mitigating The Risks
To protect yourself when using AI chatbots:
- Be Cautious With Sensitive Information: Avoid sharing confidential or personally identifiable information unless you are confident about how it will be handled.
- Review Privacy Policies: Understand each chatbot's data-handling practices. Some platforms, like ChatGPT, offer options to opt out of data retention or sharing.
- Utilize Privacy Controls: Tools like Microsoft Purview help manage and reduce risks associated with AI use by enabling organizations to implement protection and governance controls.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes to privacy policies and data-handling practices of the AI tools you use.
The Bottom Line
AI chatbots provide significant benefits in efficiency and productivity, but it's important to stay vigilant about the data you share and how it is used. By taking proactive steps to safeguard your information, you can enjoy the advantages of these tools while minimizing potential risks.
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