How to Use AI Tools Privately and Securely

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AI tools have rapidly become part of daily life, offering advanced capabilities in communication, automation, and content creation. One of the latest AI sensations is DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company and app that has recently surged in popularity, quickly becoming the number one app in app stores. Its open-source models appeal to tech-savvy users who can run them on private servers, but the majority rely on the app itself, raising concerns about data privacy and security. Many fear that personal information could be transmitted to China, prompting broader discussions about AI security risks.

However, privacy concerns aren’t limited to DeepSeek AI . AI applications from US-based companies, such as OpenAI ’s ChatGPT, 谷歌 Gemini, Anthropic Claude, and 微软 Copilot also collect user data, sometimes retaining it for model training. As AI tools become more deeply integrated into our digital lives, understanding their privacy implications is crucial.

This article examines the security risks associated with AI tools and provides practical tips to help users protect their data while leveraging AI’s benefits.

Understanding the Risks

While AI tools are convenient, they also introduce security and privacy concerns. Here are some of the main risks:

1. Data Privacy Issues:

Many AI tools collect and store user inputs to improve their models. If users input sensitive data, it could be retained and potentially accessed.

2. Phishing & Social Engineering:?

Cybercriminals can use AI-generated content to create sophisticated phishing emails or deepfake videos to deceive users.

3. Data Leakage:?

Some AI applications may inadvertently expose confidential information, either through model training leaks or user-generated outputs.

4. Malicious Use of AI:?

Hackers leverage AI for automated cyberattacks, such as brute-force password guessing, fraud detection evasion, and misinformation campaigns.

Comparing AI Apps for Privacy and Security

Not all AI tools have the same approach to privacy and security. Below is a comparison of some leading AI applications:

Secure Ways to Use AI Tools

To protect your privacy and security while using AI tools, consider the following best practices:

1. Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information:?

Never input personal, financial, or business-critical information into AI chatbots or tools.

2. Use Encrypted and Secure AI Platforms:

Choose AI applications with robust security measures, such as end-to-end encryption and strong data protection policies.

3. Opt-Out of Data Collection (If Possible):?

Some AI tools allow users to disable data storage or request data deletion. Always check privacy settings.

4. Use Anonymous Accounts or VPNs:?

If privacy is a major concern, access AI tools without revealing personal credentials or location.

5. Verify AI-Generated Content:?

Be cautious when consuming AI-generated information, as it may be biased or manipulated. Cross-check facts before trusting outputs.

6. Monitor AI Permissions & API Integrations:?

When integrating AI into workflows, ensure it does not have excessive access to sensitive data or business-critical systems.

AI Laws and Regulations: What You Need to Know

With the rapid advancement of AI technology, governments across the globe are enacting laws to uphold privacy and security in AI-driven applications. The European Union's AI Act, which was passed in early 2024 and took effect in August 2024, is the world’s first comprehensive AI regulation. It categorizes AI systems based on risk levels, imposing strict transparency and accountability requirements on high-risk applications, such as those used in law enforcement, healthcare, and finance.

Similarly, China's AI regulations mandate security assessments for generative AI models and require AI-generated content to be labeled. In the United States, while the AI Executive Order (2023) was rescinded on January 20, 2025, discussions continue around federal AI governance, with states like California strengthening data privacy laws such as the CCPA to regulate AI-driven data collection. Additionally, global data protection laws such as GDPR (Europe), PIPL (China), and Canada’s proposed AIDA establish user rights over AI-processed data, requiring companies to provide transparency, opt-out options, and strong security measures.

As AI adoption grows, understanding these legal frameworks helps users and businesses navigate AI tools responsibly while safeguarding sensitive information.

What resources are available to help you? use AI tools privately and securely?

Books

1. Data Privacy in the Age of AI: Protecting Personal Information by Crystal Hutchinson JD
2. Beyond the Algorithm: AI, Security, Privacy, and Ethics by Omar Santos
3. AI Powered Data Privacy & Data Protection For Small Businesses by Sabira Arefin

Podcasts

1. How To Use AI PRIVATELY - NBTV: Your Money, Your Data, Your Life by Naomi Brockwell
2. The Privacy Insider Podcast by Dr. Michael Hemenway

Video

1. ChatGPT: How to use AI tools securely | Hacker Headlines by Keatron Evans

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This article was written by Marc Raphael with the support of:

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