Privacy and safety

When you type something into an AI tool, it is sent to the company that runs it. Depending on the tool and your settings, conversations may be stored and may be used to improve future models. Treat an AI chat like an email to a company, not like a private notebook.

Never paste these

• Passwords, card numbers, bank details or one-time codes, yours or anyone else's.
• ID numbers and copies of identity documents.
• A client's confidential information (unreleased products, private data, contracts, customer lists) unless the client has agreed.
• Other people's personal data (phone numbers, addresses, health information).

If you need help with a confidential document, remove or replace the private parts first: "Company A", "Customer 1", "[price]".

Check the settings

Most major assistants have privacy or data controls. Look for options such as:

• turning off the use of your chats for model training (where offered),
• deleting chat history,
• temporary or private chats.

Names and locations of these settings change, so check each tool's privacy page and settings menu.

Follow your client's rules

Some clients, especially larger companies, have AI policies: which tools are allowed, what data may be shared, and whether AI may be used at all. Ask when you start a project, and follow the answer. Breaking a client's confidentiality can end a contract and damage your reputation permanently.

Protect your accounts

• Use a strong, unique password and turn on two-step verification.
• Sign up only on the official website or app. Fake "AI" apps and browser extensions can steal data.
• Be careful with links that promise "free premium AI": they are a common scam.
• Follow each tool's terms, including age requirements.

Content rules

AI companies and freelance platforms forbid using AI for harmful things: deception, impersonating real people, fake documents, fake reviews, spam, plagiarism and hateful content. Breaking these rules can get your AI account and your freelance account banned.

A simple routine

Before you paste anything, ask: Would I be comfortable if my client saw exactly what I sent to this tool? If the answer is no, remove the sensitive parts or do that step without AI.

Practice task (10 min)

1. Open the settings of one AI assistant you use and find its privacy or data controls.
2. Write down what you can control (for example chat history or training use).
3. Turn on two-step verification for that account if it is available.