AI chatbots have become an integral part of modern communication, providing users with assistance in various domains, including customer service, healthcare, and personal productivity. However, these systems also introduce significant privacy risks. This paper explores the potential threats associated with AI chatbots and offers best practices for users to interact with them safely.
Privacy Risks of AI Chatbots
Involuntary Data Collection
User interactions may be logged and stored without explicit consent, making it difficult to control personal data.
Data Memorization
AI models may inadvertently retain personal information from training data, leading to potential leaks.
Surveillance & Law Enforcement Access
Conversations may be monitored or shared with authorities without user awareness.
Identity Theft & Fraud
AI tools can be exploited for spear-phishing, voice cloning, or other cyber threats.
Safe Usage Practices
Limit Personal Information Sharing
Users should avoid sharing sensitive personal data, such as social security numbers, financial details, or medical records, with AI chatbots.
Review Privacy Policies
Before using a chatbot, users should review the provider’s privacy policy to understand how their data will be collected, stored, and shared.
Regularly Clear Chat History
Where possible, users should delete their chat history or limit the retention period to prevent unnecessary data accumulation.
Stay Vigilant Against Phishing Attempts
Users should be cautious of chatbots requesting personal or financial information and verify the authenticity of such requests before responding.
