Artificial intelligence tools can help write a text, summarize a document, create an image or answer a question. However, their use requires special attention when involves personal or confidential data.
Each request sent to an AI service may contain information which deserve protection. Before copying text or uploading a file, take a few seconds to ask if its content can be shared with an external service.
What data should be avoided?
Some information should never be copied into an AI tool without prior verification of its confidentiality rules. This is including passwords, credit card numbers, documents identity and security codes.
Also avoid providing detailed medical information, data concerning children, confidential contracts or files belonging to your customers.
- Passwords and login codes.
- Bank card numbers.
- Identification and private addresses.
- Sensitive medical information.
- Confidential professional documents.
Read the privacy rules
Before using an application, consult its privacy policy. In particular, you must check what data is collected, why they are collected. are used and how long they can be stored.
Some services clearly indicate whether conversations can be used to improve their models. Others offer settings to deactivate the history or use of data to training purposes.
Anonymize your documents
If you need to ask an AI to analyze a document, delete first the identification of a person. Replace the names, addresses and telephone numbers using generic terms.
Example:
Replace "Jean Pierre, resident at 25 rue Lamartine" by
"Customer A, resident at [address deleted]".
This method keeps the general structure of the document while reducing the risks associated with the exposure of personal information.
Check permissions requested
Some applications require access to your camera, microphone, your files or contacts. Such authorisations may be necessary in some cases, but they should not be granted automatically.
If an application requests permission that does not seem useful to its function, refuse it or look for another solution.
Use separate accounts
For professional activities, it may be preferable to use a separate account from your personal account. This separation facilitates access management and limits the mix between private documents and work data.
Also enable two-factor authentication when proposed. This protection adds an additional step when connecting and makes access to the account more difficult for an unauthorized person.
Do not trust all applications
Not all applications using the word "IA" present the same level of security. Before creating an account, check the name the publisher, the official address of the site, the available notices and published information on data protection.
Beware of services that promise extraordinary results, ask too much information or give no indication of their operation.
To be noted: if information is confidential, do not share it with an AI until you have checked the conditions security and confidentiality of the service.
Keep human control
It can help analyse or reformulate information, but it does not must not alone make an important decision about your health, your money, employment or rights.
Check the results, ask for a second opinion when this is and keep the original documents. Technology must remain a support tool, not replace your judgment.
Conclusion
Using artificial intelligence safely begins with a simple rule: share only the necessary information. Take the time to anonymize your documents, read the privacy rules and verify the authorizations requested.
With these good practices, you can enjoy the benefits of AI while reducing the risks to your privacy and data.
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