ChatGPT has become one of those tools people turn to for just about everything. From writing emails and planning meals to comparing purchases and figuring out everyday problems, it’s easy to see why so many people use it.
But the more comfortable you get using ChatGPT, the easier it becomes to share information without thinking twice. You might upload a document for a quick summary, ask for help understanding a medical bill, or paste an email that contains personal details.
While ChatGPT can be incredibly useful, it’s worth being careful about the information you share. Privacy protections and data settings vary, and you often don’t need to include sensitive information to get a helpful answer.
Here are nine things you should think twice about sharing with ChatGPT, even when it seems harmless.
Social Security Numbers
Your Social Security number is one of the most sensitive pieces of personal information you have, and you rarely need to enter it into an AI chatbot. If you need help understanding a government form or financial document, remove your Social Security number and other identifying details before sharing it.
Bank Account and Credit Card Details
ChatGPT can help you create a budget, compare expenses, or understand financial terms without knowing your actual account or credit card numbers. Avoid pasting bank statements or financial documents without first removing account numbers, card details, and other information that could be used to identify or access your accounts.
Related: 14 Purchases You Should Never Put on a Credit Card
Passwords and Login Credentials
Never share passwords, PINs, authentication codes, or account recovery information with ChatGPT, even if you’re troubleshooting a login problem. You can explain the issue without providing the credentials someone would need to access your account.
Children’s Personal Information
It’s easy to mention your children when asking for parenting advice, school recommendations, or help writing an email to a teacher. But there’s usually no need to include their full names, birth dates, school names, home addresses, or other details that could identify them.
Private Medical Records
ChatGPT can explain medical terminology or help you prepare questions for a doctor’s appointment, but be cautious about uploading complete medical records. Remove names, birth dates, patient identification numbers, and other unnecessary details, and remember that AI-generated medical information isn’t a substitute for professional advice.
Tax Returns and Financial Documents
Uploading a tax return may seem like a convenient way to understand deductions or filing requirements, but these documents can contain Social Security numbers, income information, addresses, and banking details. Instead, ask questions using general figures or carefully remove sensitive information before sharing any portion of a document.
Confidential Work Documents
Before uploading a work contract, internal report, client file, or meeting notes, consider whether the information is confidential or covered by your employer’s policies. Even when you’re only asking ChatGPT to summarize or rewrite something, sharing private company information without authorization can create unnecessary privacy and security risks.
Legal Documents and Private Case Details
ChatGPT can explain general legal terms, but sharing complete legal documents may expose names, addresses, financial information, or confidential details about an ongoing dispute. If you need help understanding a clause or legal concept, consider sharing only the relevant passage with identifying information removed, and consult a qualified attorney for advice about your situation.
