Using AI Safely and Protecting Your Personal Data

AI Basics · by Lung Tee · 6 reads

AI is very convenient, but every time you type information into it, you should know where that information goes. This article gathers the principles of safe AI use in plain language.

Information you shouldn't put into AI

National ID numbers, bank account numbers, and passwords
Health information or other people's personal data
Confidential company documents or customer data

If you must use it, replace it with placeholders, such as "Customer A" instead of a real name.

Set your privacy options

Most AI tools have settings that let you choose whether your conversations are used to improve the system, and let you delete your chat history. Check these from the first day you use a tool.

Use strong passwords

Set a separate password for each service and turn on two-factor authentication to keep your accounts from being hacked.

Spot scammers in the AI era

Scammers use AI to fake voices, fake images, and write more convincing scam messages.

If someone calls sounding like a relative asking to borrow money, hang up and call back on a number you know
Don't click links in SMS or messages from unknown sources
Follow cyber threat news from ThaiCERT and ETDA

Use AI responsibly at work

Use only tools your organization allows
Always check results before sending them to customers. Read more in Spotting When AI Is Wrong
Respect the copyright of other people's images, music, and text

Teach your family

Older people and children are frequent targets of scammers. Share simple rules like "If in doubt, don't transfer, don't click, don't believe" with the people you love.

Checklist before typing information into AI

Could this information identify someone?
Would it cause harm if it leaked?
Does your organization allow this tool to be used with this kind of data?
Have you removed or replaced the sensitive parts?

If any answer makes you hesitate, stop and adjust the information first.

Example of replacing data

Instead of pasting "Mr. Somchai, phone 08X-XXX-1234, owes 15,000 baht," write "Customer A has an outstanding balance. Please draft a polite payment reminder." The AI can still help just as well without knowing the real details.

Frequently asked questions

Can I delete my chat history?

Most tools let you delete it in the settings or chat history menu.

Are AI browser extensions safe?

Install only extensions from trusted developers, and always check the permissions they request.

Summary

Using AI safely starts with thinking before you type, setting your privacy options, and recognizing scams. Then you can enjoy the benefits of AI with peace of mind. Start practicing with 10 Ways to Use ChatGPT.