5 Things You Should Never Tell ChatGPT

In the age of AI-driven convenience, tools like ChatGPT have become indispensable for tasks ranging from drafting emails to brainstorming ideas. However, while these systems are designed to assist, they’re not vaults for your secrets. For American users navigating this digital frontier, here are five types of information you should never share with ChatGPT—or any AI chatbot—to safeguard your privacy and security.

1. Social Security Numbers, Addresses, or Phone Numbers

Your personally identifiable information (PII) is gold for identity thieves. ChatGPT’s responses are generated based on data patterns, not human discretion. While OpenAI claims conversations are anonymized, accidental leaks or breaches could expose sensitive details. Ask yourself: Would you hand this information to a stranger? Treat AI the same way.

2. Bank Account or Credit Card Details

No legitimate AI service will ever ask for financial credentials. Scammers often mimic chatbots to phish for such data. Even if you’re troubleshooting a billing issue, avoid pasting card numbers or login details into a chat. Use official banking portals or verified customer service channels instead.

3. Passwords or Security Codes

Your Netflix password, email login, or two-factor authentication (2FA) codes should never be shared with AI. ChatGPT doesn’t need these to function, and storing them in chat histories creates unnecessary risks. Remember: AI has no “memory” of right and wrong—only patterns to replicate.

4. Health Records or Medical Diagnoses

While ChatGPT might offer general wellness tips, it’s not HIPAA-compliant or a substitute for a doctor. Sharing specifics like lab results, prescriptions, or mental health struggles could inadvertently expose sensitive data. For medical advice, stick to trusted healthcare providers.

5. Confidential Work Projects or Trade Secrets

That genius startup idea or proprietary company data? Keep it offline. AI models train on vast datasets, and while OpenAI states that user inputs aren’t used to improve models during private chats, the line can blur. Assume anything shared could resurface elsewhere—or inspire a competitor.

Why Does This Matter?

ChatGPT’s brilliance lies in its ability to learn from interactions, but this strength is also a vulnerability. Unlike humans, AI lacks intent but can’t guarantee confidentiality. A 2023 Stanford study found that even anonymized data can sometimes be reverse-engineered to identify individuals.For Americans, this vigilance aligns with regulations like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which emphasizes user control over personal data. Treat AI as a helpful—but limited—tool, not a confidant.

Final Tip: When in Doubt, Opt Out

If a conversation veers toward sensitive territory, close the chat. Use AI for creativity, not custody of your secrets. As the saying goes: “Trust, but verify”—and in this case, don’t trust too much.By keeping these boundaries in mind, you’ll harness ChatGPT’s power without compromising what matters most: your privacy.