With the rise of AI tools and assistants, it’s tempting to hand over all kinds of information to get more personalized, helpful responses. But here's the thing—if it’s sensitive, private, or confidential, it shouldn't be shared with an AI. Period.

AI isn’t your therapist, your lawyer, or your ride-or-die bestie from 8th grade who swore to take your secrets to the grave. It’s a machine. A smart machine, yes — but one that doesn’t need your Social Security number, bank account, or the tea about your coworkers.

This includes:

• Personal identification numbers

• Medical or financial information

• Confidential work documents

• Private conversations

Even if the system promises to be secure, you are still responsible for what you enter. Many AI systems are designed to learn from interactions, even when using the system anonymously. While protections may exist, they are not bulletproof. In many cases, the data is logged and reviewed to improve systems, meaning your "private" info could be seen by people or used in ways you didn’t expect. For example, when asked, many AI systems have been known to give out things such as passwords, the names and email addresses of CEOs, and other personally identifiable information.

AI can be a powerful tool, but it's only as safe as the people who use it. If you give it information, it will use that information. If you wouldn't write it on a whiteboard in a public park, then don’t type it into an AI. Use good judgment, keep sensitive data offline, and treat AI like a helpful assistant, not a vault.