Generative AI (Gen AI) changes how we work, learn, and interact with technology. These tools can boost productivity and creativity like never before, from drafting emails to designing graphics or even summarising lengthy documents. But with great power comes great responsibility.
One of the most pressing concerns in today’s AI-driven landscape is how we use these tools safely – especially regarding personal data.
Keep It Professional, Not Personal
When using Gen AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or others, it’s easy to forget you’re interacting with a powerful language model trained on vast amounts of data. It’s best practice not to input personal, sensitive, or confidential information.
This includes:
- Full names, addresses, or phone numbers
- National Insurance or ID numbers
- Login credentials or passwords
- Financial information
- Sensitive business or client data
Even hypothetical or anonymised details can sometimes be pieced together in ways you didn’t intend. If you’re unsure whether something is too sensitive to share, err on the side of caution.
Why It Matters
Although AI providers implement safeguards, the responsibility also lies with users to be mindful of what they share. Improper use can lead to:
- Data breaches: Inputting sensitive details can create risk if outputs are later stored, copied, or shared.
- Loss of confidentiality: Significant in sectors like healthcare, education, or legal services.
- Unintended misuse: AI tools may misunderstand context, leading to inaccurate or inappropriate outputs.
- Unintended Data leaks: Data submitted to Gen AI tools like, ChatGPT are unintentionally made available, based on a bug or usage error. See Computing article as an example: https://www.computing.co.uk/news/2025/ai/thousands-of-chatgpt-conversations-appear-in-google-results
A Responsible Approach to AI
Here are some quick tips for responsible AI use:
- Think before you type: Never assume your data is private—treat every session like a public conversation.
- Use anonymised examples: If you need help with real-world scenarios, strip out identifying details.
- Understand the tool’s limitations: AI can sound confident, even when it’s wrong. Always fact-check.
- Check your organisation’s policy: Many businesses now have clear guidelines around AI use – follow them.
The Future Is AI – Enabled and Ethically Aware
Gen AI is not going away – it’s becoming more powerful and more integrated into our daily lives. By embracing it responsibly, we can unlock its full potential while keeping our personal and professional lives safe.
As we continue to explore what’s possible with AI, staying informed and cautious is not just good practice – it’s essential.