Published April 7, 2025 10:00am EDT close Government officials weigh benefits, risks of AI Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier has the latest on regulatory uncertainty amid artificial intelligence development on "Special Report." Have you ever stopped to think about how much your chatbot knows about you? Over the years, tools like ChatGPT have become incredibly adept at learning your preferences, habits and even some of your deepest secrets. But while this can make them seem more helpful and personalized, it also raises some serious privacy concerns. As much as you learn from these AI tools, they learn just as much about you. A man using ChatGPT on his laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What ChatGPT knowsChatGPT learns a lot about you through your conversations, storing details like your preferences, habits and even sensitive information you might inadvertently share. This data, which includes both what you type and account-level information like your email or location, is often used to improve AI models but can also raise privacy concerns if mishandled.Many AI companies collect data without explicit consent and rely on vast datasets scraped from the web, which can include sensitive or copyrighted material. These practices are now under scrutiny by regulators worldwide, with laws like Europes GDPR emphasizing users "right to be forgotten." While ChatGPT can feel like a helpful companion, its essential to remain cautious about what you share to protect your privacy. ChatGPT on a phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Why sharing sensitive information is riskySharing sensitive information with generative AI tools like ChatGPT can expose you to significant risks. Data breaches are a major concern, as demonstrated in March 2023 when a bug allowed users to see others chat histories, highlighting vulnerabilities in AI systems. Your chat history could also be accessed through legal requests, such as subpoenas, putting your private data at risk. User inputs are also often used to train future AI models unless you actively opt out, and this process isnt always transparent or easy to manage.These risks underscore the importance of exercising caution and avoiding the disclosure of sensitive personal, financial or proprietary information when using AI tools. A woman using ChatGPT on her laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What not to share with ChatGPTTo protect your privacy and security, its crucial to be mindful of what you share. Here are some things you should definitely keep to yourself.Identity details: Social Security numbers, drivers license numbers and other personal identifiers should never be disclosedMedical records:While it might be tempting to seek interpretations for lab results or symptoms, these should be redacted before uploadingFinancial information: Bank account numbers and investment details are highly vulnerable if sharedCorporate secrets:Proprietary data or confidential work-related information can expose trade secrets or client dataLogin credentials:Passwords, PINs and security answers should remain within secure password managers ChatGPT on a Wikipedia page on a phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to protect your privacy while using ChatbotsIf you rely on AI tools but want to safeguard your privacy, consider these strategies.1) Delete conversations regularly: Most platforms allow users todelete chat histories. Doing so ensures that sensitive prompts dont linger on servers.2) Use temporary chats: Features like ChatGPTs Temporary Chat mode prevent conversations from being stored or used for training purposes.3) Opt out of training data usage: Many AI platforms offer settings to exclude your prompts from being used for model improvement. Explore these options in account settings.4) Anonymize inputs: Tools like Duck.ai anonymize prompts before sending them to AI models, reducing the risk of identifiable data being stored.5) Secure your account:Enable two-factor authenticationand use strong passwords for added protection against unauthorized access. Consider using apassword manager to generate and store complex passwords. Remember, your account-level details like email addresses and location can be stored and used to train AI models, so securing your account helps limit how much personal information is accessible. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.6) Use a VPN:Employ a reputable virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt internet traffic and conceal your IP address, enhancing online privacy during chatbot use. A VPN adds a crucial layer of anonymity, especially since data shared with AI tools can include sensitive or identifying information, even unintentionally. A reliable VPN is essential for protecting your online privacy and ensuring a secure, high-speed connection.For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.Kurt's key takeawaysChatbots like ChatGPT are undeniably powerful tools that enhance productivity and creativity. However, their ability to store and process user data demands caution. By understanding what not to share and taking steps to protect your privacy, you can enjoy the benefits of AI while minimizing risks. Ultimately, its up to you to strike a balance between leveraging AIs capabilities and safeguarding your personal information. Remember: Just because a chatbot feels human doesnt mean it should be treated like one. Be mindful of what you share and always prioritize your privacy.Do you think AI companies need to do more to protect users' sensitive information and ensure transparency in data collection and usage? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? 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