Using ChatGPT and AI for Security-Conscious Users

This document outlines the key considerations and settings available for individuals who are concerned about privacy and data security while using ChatGPT or similar AI platforms.

1. Understanding Data Sharing and Model Improvement

• What it is: By default, conversations with ChatGPT may be used to help improve the model. This means that OpenAI may review and analyze certain interactions to enhance the AI's accuracy and capabilities.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: You can turn off data sharing for model improvement if you're concerned about privacy. This ensures that your specific conversations won't be reviewed by OpenAI or used to train the model.

2. Managing Chat History and Data Retention

• What it is: ChatGPT may retain a record of your conversations to improve its performance.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: Currently, OpenAI does not offer a toggle to completely disable chat history storage. However, you can contact OpenAI to request the deletion of your chat history and account data if you wish to limit the retention of your interactions. Avoid sharing sensitive or personal information unless absolutely necessary. Regularly review your account settings to understand what data is stored and how to request deletion.

3. Use of Incognito or Private Mode

• What it is: Using your browser's Incognito or Private mode can prevent local storage of your browsing history, cookies, and other data during a session.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: While ChatGPT itself doesn't offer an incognito mode, using your browser's private mode can minimize the data stored on your device from the session.

4. Limiting Personal Information in Conversations

• What it is: Conversations with ChatGPT may be filtered to remove personally identifiable or sensitive information. However, some data may still be stored temporarily.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: Limit the personal or sensitive data shared during your conversations. Avoid discussing details like: Personal identification numbers (e.g., Social Security numbers), financial details (e.g., bank accounts or passwords,) health information, or any other sensitive data not necessary for your query

5. Controlling Third-Party Integrations

• What it is: Some AI platforms allow integrations with third-party services, such as payment processors or scheduling tools.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: Be cautious when connecting third-party apps to ChatGPT or other AI platforms. Review permissions for any integrations you enable and only allow access to trusted and necessary apps.

6. End-to-End Encryption and Security

• What it is: ChatGPT interactions are not end-to-end encrypted, meaning data passed between you and the AI is accessible to the platform's servers.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: If you're handling sensitive data that requires higher security, consider using secure platforms that offer end-to-end encryption for messaging or data transfer.

7. Customizing Consent and Permissions

• What it is: Platforms like ChatGPT are typically governed by terms of service and privacy policies that detail how data is collected, used, and shared.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: Regularly review the terms of service and privacy policy to ensure that you're comfortable with how your data is being handled. You may also have the ability to: Opt-out of data sharing for model improvement, request the deletion of stored data, or modify your account's privacy settings

8. Requesting Data Deletion

• What it is: ChatGPT users have the option to request the deletion of their stored data.
• For Privacy-Conscious Users: If you are concerned about data retention, contact OpenAI's support to request the deletion of your data or account. This helps ensure that no unnecessary information is stored after you’ve finished using the service.

Conclusion: Best Practices for Security-Conscious Users

To ensure privacy and security when using ChatGPT or other AI platforms, follow these best practices:

• Disable data sharing for model improvement if concerned about your interactions being reviewed.
• Limit the sharing of personal or sensitive information during conversations.
• Use private/incognito browsing to prevent local data storage.
• Review and manage third-party integrations to ensure that only necessary apps have access.
• Request data deletion if you no longer want your interactions stored by OpenAI.

By following these steps, security-conscious users can minimize privacy risks while still benefiting from the capabilities of AI platforms like ChatGPT.

The team Barons', Inc. , Brandon Morris , Kylee Williams , Dakota Williams , Susan Mann , & Sharon McCauley, CPA would love to talk to you about your AI needs, consulting, security, industry expertise to help you and your office run more efficiently!