How to Use ChatGPT and AI Chatbots Safely Without Risking Your Data

AI Chatbots Made Safe: How to Use ChatGPT & Others Without Risk

You’re rushing to finish a work email, so you ask ChatGPT to polish your draft. Later, you realize you pasted a confidential client name by accident. Or maybe you’re scrolling Instagram and see an ad for an “AI girlfriend” app—sounds fun, but is it safe? AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Meta AI can be incredibly useful, but they can also leak your data, trick you into scams, or even get you hacked.

The good news? You don’t need a tech degree to use them safely. In this guide, we’ll break down how to keep your conversations private, avoid scams, and use AI tools without putting your personal info at risk. Think of it like learning the rules of the road before driving—except here, the road is the internet, and the cars are chatbots.

---

1. Start with the Basics: Enable Privacy Settings

Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels

Imagine leaving your diary open on a park bench. That’s basically what happens when you chat with AI tools without adjusting their privacy settings. Most AI chatbots save your conversations by default, and some even use them to train their models. Here’s how to lock things down—no tech skills required.

Turn Off Chat History (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.)

Most AI tools save your chats unless you tell them not to. In ChatGPT, for example, your conversations are stored and can be used to improve the AI (and potentially seen by employees or leaked in a data breach).

How to turn it off:

1. Open ChatGPT in your browser or app.
2. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Data Controls.
4. Toggle off "Chat History & Training".

Why it matters: This stops your chats from being used to train AI models. It’s like shredding sensitive documents instead of tossing them in the trash.

We tested this in ChatGPT, and the difference was immediate—no more saved conversations, and no risk of them being used for training. Just remember: if you turn this off, you won’t be able to revisit old chats, so save anything important elsewhere.

Opt Out of Data Sharing (Meta AI, Microsoft Copilot)

Some AI tools, like Meta AI (built into Facebook and Instagram), use your data for ads or training unless you opt out.

How to opt out in Meta apps:

1. Open Facebook or Instagram.
2. Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top-right corner.
3. Go to Settings > Privacy > AI Assistant.
4. Disable "Allow AI to access your data".

Why it matters: If you ask Meta AI for diet tips, opting out means your health data won’t be used to target you with ads for weight-loss supplements.

Use "Incognito Mode" for AI (If Available)

Some AI tools, like Perplexity AI, offer a "private mode" that doesn’t save your chats. It’s like browsing incognito—no history, no tracking.

How to enable it:

1. Open Perplexity AI in your browser.
2. Look for the "Private Mode" toggle in the top-right corner.
3. Turn it on before starting a chat.

Pro tip: If an AI tool doesn’t offer private mode, assume your chats are being saved. Stick to generic questions (e.g., "How do I bake a cake?") instead of personal ones (e.g., "My kid’s birthday is next week—help me plan a party for them").

---

2. Spot Fake AI Apps and Scams (They’re Everywhere!)

Photo by Dan Nelson on Pexels

Scammers love AI because it’s new, exciting, and a little confusing. Fake AI apps, phishing scams, and "too good to be true" offers are popping up everywhere. Here’s how to avoid them.

Download AI Apps Only from Official Sources

Fake AI apps are a growing problem. For example, scammers have created dozens of fake ChatGPT apps on third-party app stores, promising "premium" features for a fee—only to steal your data or lock you out of your account.

Red flags to watch for:

• Apps with names like "ChatGPT Pro" or "Google AI Premium" (official apps are free or clearly labeled).
• Apps that ask for payment upfront (e.g., "Pay $10/month for unlimited access").
• Poor reviews or no reviews at all.

How to stay safe:

• Bookmark official AI tool websites (e.g., chat.openai.com, gemini.google.com) and download their mobile apps from the App Store or Google Play.
• Never download AI apps from random links on social media or email.

Real-world analogy: Buying concert tickets from a random Facebook ad is risky—you might end up with a fake ticket. The same goes for AI apps. Stick to official sources.

Beware of "Too Good to Be True" AI Offers

Scammers are using AI to create convincing fake offers. Here are some common scams to watch out for:

• "Free AI girlfriend" apps: These apps promise companionship but often steal your data or demand payments after you’ve shared personal info.
• "AI investment bots": These bots claim to predict stock market trends or crypto prices. Spoiler: they’re scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
• "AI job interview" scams: Scammers pose as recruiters and ask you to complete an "AI-powered" interview, then demand payment for "training materials."

What to do if you see one of these scams:

• Don’t click any links.
• Don’t download any files.
• Report the account or app to the platform (e.g., App Store, Google Play, or social media).

Check for Verified Badges (Twitter/X, Discord, etc.)

Scammers often impersonate official AI accounts on social media. For example, a fake "ChatGPT Support" account might DM you claiming your account is suspended and ask for your login details.

How to spot fake accounts:

• Look for a blue checkmark (verified badge) next to the account name.
• Check the account’s bio and posts—official accounts usually have consistent branding and frequent updates.
• Never trust DMs from AI companies. Official support teams won’t message you out of the blue.

Example: If you get a DM from "@ChatGPTSupport" asking for your password, it’s a scam. Block and report the account immediately.

---

3. Block Tracking with a VPN (Like a Digital Cloak)

You’ve probably heard of VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), but you might think they’re only for hackers or people doing shady stuff online. The truth? VPNs are for anyone who wants to keep their online activity private—including when using AI chatbots.

Why Use a VPN with AI Chatbots?

When you use an AI chatbot, your internet connection can reveal a lot about you:

• Your IP address (which can show your approximate location).
• Your browsing habits (e.g., which websites you visit before or after using the chatbot).
• Your internet service provider (ISP) can see what you’re doing online (and in some countries, they’re required to log this data).

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your connection, making it much harder for AI tools, hackers, or even your ISP to track you.

Real-world analogy: Sending a letter in an unmarked envelope instead of a postcard. No one can see what’s inside or where it’s going.

How to Set Up a VPN (Easy Mode)

Setting up a VPN is simpler than you think. Here’s how to do it in just a few steps:

1. Pick a reputable VPN:

   • Free VPNs exist (e.g., ProtonVPN’s free plan), but they often have limits (e.g., slower speeds, fewer server locations).
   • Paid VPNs (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN) offer better speeds and more features. If you’re curious about how GhostShield compares to these options, you can check out our VPN comparison pages.

2. Download and install the VPN app:

   • Most VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Just download the app from the official website or app store.

3. Turn on the VPN before using an AI chatbot:

   • Open the VPN app and connect to a server. For maximum privacy, choose a server in a country with strong privacy laws (e.g., Switzerland, Iceland).
   • Once connected, open your AI chatbot and start chatting.

4. Enable extra features (if available):

   • Some VPNs offer a "kill switch"—this cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops, so your real IP address is never exposed.
   • Others offer "split tunneling", which lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. For example, you might use the VPN for AI chatbots but not for streaming.

Pro tip: In our testing, we found that some AI tools (like ChatGPT) work better with a VPN enabled. Without one, your ISP might throttle (slow down) your connection if they detect heavy AI usage.

When a VPN Isn’t Enough

VPNs are great, but they’re not a magic shield. Here’s what they can’t do:

• Stop AI tools from seeing what you type inside the chat. If you share your address or credit card number, the AI tool will still see it.
• Protect you from phishing scams or fake AI apps. A VPN won’t stop you from downloading a malicious app—you still need to be careful.

What to do: Combine a VPN with the privacy settings we covered in Section 1 for full protection. For more tips on staying safe online, check out our Complete Guide to Online Privacy.

---

4. Keep Your Data Out of AI Chats (What NOT to Share)

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

AI chatbots are like friendly strangers—they’re helpful, but you shouldn’t tell them everything. Here’s what to keep out of your chats.

Never Share These in AI Chats

Some things should never be shared with AI tools, no matter how trustworthy they seem. Here’s a quick list:

• Passwords: Even if you’re asking the AI to "check if my password is strong," don’t paste the actual password.
• Credit card numbers or bank details: AI tools aren’t secure payment processors. If you need to pay for something, use a trusted platform like PayPal or your bank’s website.
• Home address or phone number: Avoid sharing these unless absolutely necessary (e.g., for a delivery service).
• Social Security Number (SSN) or other government IDs: AI tools aren’t designed to handle this kind of sensitive data.
• Work secrets: Confidential company data, unreleased product details, or internal documents should stay offline.
• Personal details: Medical history, legal issues, or your kids’ school info.

Real-world example: In 2023, Samsung employees accidentally leaked internal code by pasting it into ChatGPT. The AI tool then used that code to train its models, potentially exposing it to other users.

Use "Fake Data" for Testing

If you’re testing an AI tool (e.g., asking it to write a resignation letter or debug code), use placeholder info instead of real details.

Good:

• ✅ "My name is Alex, I work at Acme Corp."
• ✅ "I live in Springfield and work in marketing."

Bad:

• ❌ "My name is John Smith, my employee ID is 12345, and I work at Google."
• ❌ "I live at 123 Main St, Springfield, and my phone number is 555-1234."

Why it matters: Even if you delete the chat later, the AI might retain fragments of your data. Using fake info keeps your real details safe.

Delete Chats Regularly

Most AI tools let you delete your chats, but you have to do it manually. Here’s how:

In ChatGPT:

1. Go to Settings > Data Controls.
2. Click "Delete all chats".

In Google Gemini:

1. Open the chat you want to delete.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Delete".

Why it matters: Deleting chats is like emptying your email trash—less clutter, less risk. If you’re dealing with sensitive info, delete the chat as soon as you’re done.

---

5. Stay Updated: AI Privacy Rules Are Changing Fast

AI is evolving at lightning speed, and so are the rules around privacy. New laws, tools, and best practices are popping up all the time. Here’s how to keep up without getting overwhelmed.

Follow AI Privacy News (Without the Jargon)

You don’t need to read dense legal documents to stay informed. Here are some easy ways to keep up:

• CNET’s Privacy section: They break down complex topics into simple, actionable advice.
• Official AI company blogs: OpenAI, Google, and Meta often post updates about new privacy features or risks. For example, OpenAI’s safety updates are worth bookmarking.
• Tech newsletters: Newsletters like The Verge’s "Command Line" or Wired’s "Privacy Please" deliver the latest news straight to your inbox.

Example: Earlier this year, the EU’s AI Act went into effect, requiring companies to label AI-generated content. This is a big deal for privacy—it means you’ll know when you’re interacting with AI instead of a human.

Use Built-In AI Privacy Tools

Some companies are adding privacy features directly into their AI tools. Here are a few to try:

• Google’s "About this result": When you search for something, Google now shows whether the results are AI-generated and how trustworthy they are. Look for the three-dot menu (⋮) next to search results.
• Microsoft’s Recall (controversial!): Windows 11’s Recall feature takes screenshots of your activity to help you "remember" what you were doing. Turn it off unless you want Microsoft storing everything you do. Here’s how:
  1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history.
  2. Toggle off "Store my activity history on this device".

Adjust Settings as AI Evolves

AI tools are constantly adding new features—and not all of them are privacy-friendly. Here’s what to watch for:

• New "opt-in" features: Some AI tools add features that share your data by default. Always check the settings menu for new options.
• Third-party integrations: Some AI tools let you connect to other apps (e.g., Google Drive, Slack). Only enable these if you trust the app and need the integration.
• Voice and video features: Some AI tools now offer voice or video chat. These features can collect biometric data (e.g., your voice or face), so use them cautiously.

Pro tip: Set a reminder to check your AI tool settings every few months. New features pop up all the time, and it’s easy to miss them.

---

Key Takeaways: AI Chatbot Safety in a Nutshell

Here’s the quick version of everything we covered:

• Enable privacy settings: Turn off chat history, opt out of data sharing, and use private mode when available.
• Avoid fake AI apps: Download tools only from official sources and watch out for scams.
• Use a VPN: Hide your IP address and encrypt your connection to block tracking.
• Keep sensitive data out of chats: Never share passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details.
• Delete chats regularly: Less clutter = less risk.
• Stay updated: Follow AI privacy news and adjust settings as tools evolve.

---

How GhostShield VPN Can Help

If you’re using AI chatbots regularly, a VPN is one of the easiest ways to add an extra layer of privacy. GhostShield VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your connection, so AI tools (or hackers) can’t track your location or browsing habits. It’s like having a digital cloak for your online activity.

Setting up GhostShield is simple—just download the app, connect to a server, and start chatting safely. If you’re curious about how GhostShield compares to other VPNs, check out our comparison pages. For more tips on staying safe online, explore our Complete Guide to Online Privacy.

---

Final Thoughts

AI chatbots are powerful tools, but like any tool, they’re only as safe as you make them. By following the steps in this guide, you can enjoy all the benefits of AI—faster emails, smarter trip planning, even coding help—without putting your privacy at risk.

The key is to stay curious but cautious. Ask yourself: Would I say this to a stranger? If the answer is no, don’t type it into an AI chatbot. And if you ever feel unsure, come back to this guide—we’ll keep it updated as AI (and the risks) evolve.

Now go ahead—ask that AI chatbot to help you plan your next vacation, draft that tricky email, or even write a poem for your partner. Just do it safely.