The One-Line Test
Treat a public AI tool like a public postcard
Free and personal chatbots may use what you type, and you don't control where it goes. So before you paste, run one test:
If you wouldn't post it on a public bulletin board, don't paste it in.
Never paste these into a public / personal tool
- Passwords and login codes
- Full Social Security or financial account numbers
- Other people's personal details — names, contact info, health information
- Confidential company, client, or patient information
Three Habits
Stay safe without slowing down
- Swap in placeholders. "A patient," "Company X," "my coworker" instead of real names and numbers — the AI doesn't need the real ones to help.
- Strip before you paste. Rewriting an email? Drop the signature, phone numbers, and account IDs first — paste only the part you need rewritten.
- Use the approved tool for sensitive work. A provided business AI account has different data protections than a personal login.