April 28, 2025
AI Chatbots & Your Data: What They're Collecting (And How to Protect Yourself)
AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and DeepSeek have become an everyday part of life. They help us draft emails, generate content, organize to-do lists, and even optimize grocery budgets.
But while they make life easier, there's a serious catch: These bots are always on, always listening, and always collecting data on YOU.
Some are more discreet about it than others, but make no mistake—they're all doing it.
What AI Chatbots Collect & Where Your Data Goes
When you interact with a chatbot, your data doesn't just disappear. It gets collected, stored, and sometimes shared.
Here's what's happening behind the scenes:
📥 Data Collection
AI chatbots process and store the text you input. That can include:
✅ Personal details (name, location, device info)
✅ Business or proprietary information
✅ Browsing history & app interactions
📦 Data Storage & Sharing
Each chatbot handles your data differently—some more invasive than others:
🔹 ChatGPT (OpenAI)
📌 Collects your prompts, device info, location, and usage data
📌 Shares data with vendors & service providers to improve its AI models
🔹 Microsoft Copilot
📌 Collects the same data as ChatGPT but also your browsing history & interactions with apps
📌 May share data with third parties for ad personalization & AI training
🔹 Google Gemini
📌 Stores your conversations for up to 3 years (even if you delete them)
📌 May allow human reviewers to analyze your chats
📌 Claims not to use data for targeted ads—but privacy policies change
🔹 DeepSeek (China-based)
📌 Collects chat history, location data, device info, and even typing patterns
📌 Uses data for targeted advertising
📌 Stores everything on servers in China
🚨 The Risks of Using AI Chatbots
While AI chatbots boost productivity, they also introduce serious security and privacy risks.
1. Data Privacy Risks
🔸 Your conversations aren't as private as you think. Developers and third parties may have access to sensitive info.
🔸 Microsoft Copilot has been flagged for overpermissioning, exposing confidential company data. (Source: Concentric)
2. Security Vulnerabilities
🔸 AI chatbots integrated into business systems can be manipulated by hackers.
🔸 Microsoft Copilot has been exploited for spear-phishing and data theft. (Source: Wired)
3. Compliance & Legal Issues
🔸 If chatbots process data in violation of GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulations, your business could face fines & legal repercussions.
🔸 Some companies have already banned ChatGPT over compliance concerns. (Source: The Times)
🔐 How to Protect Yourself from AI Chatbot Data Risks
You don't have to stop using AI tools—but you do need to be smart about it.
1. Be Cautious With Sensitive Information
❌ NEVER share personal, financial, or confidential business data with chatbots.
✅ Assume everything you type is stored & analyzed.
2. Review Privacy Policies & Opt Out Where Possible
🔹 Check each platform's privacy settings and adjust data-sharing permissions.
🔹 Some chatbots (like ChatGPT) allow you to opt out of data retention.
3. Use Privacy & Security Tools
🔹 Microsoft Purview can help businesses monitor and govern AI interactions.
🔹 Endpoint security solutions can prevent AI tools from accessing sensitive files.
4. Stay Informed & Update Security Policies
🔹 Train employees on safe AI usage and potential risks.
🔹 Regularly review chatbot privacy updates—policies change all the time.
🚀 Take Control of Your AI Security Before It's Too Late
AI chatbots aren't going away, but cyberthreats are evolving. If you're not thinking about AI security, you're already behind.
📢 Get a FREE Network Assessment today.
🔍 Our cybersecurity experts will analyze your AI exposure, identify vulnerabilities, and help you secure sensitive business data.
📅 Book Your FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Now
📞 Or call us at (866) 771-7348
AI is powerful—but only if you use it securely. Let's make sure your business stays protected.