What Does AI Know About You

A couple of months ago, I shared an article about personal branding and the importance of googling yourself from time to time.

Today, I’m on a different agenda: What does AI know you?

I was thinking about my next LinkedIn article when I thought, “Why don’t I research myself on AI?” So I started an AI research spree on ChatGPT 3, Microsoft’s Copilot, Google’s Gemini and Meta AI.

While ChatGPT and Gemini noted that they don’t have any information about me, Meta AI and Copilot pulled out some interesting information about “Who is Claudia Boatemaa Adusei” (see attached images)

Whether we like it or not, AI has become part of our lives. From personalised recommendations on streaming platforms to virtual assistants on our smartphones, there is no escaping this new and unpredictable reality.

But in this moment, it is important to ask yourself, “What does AI really know about me?” While you may not know exactly what information you have deliberately or otherwise given to AI, it is necessary to control the ones you know and can control.

(Click here to read my previous article "From Chaos to Clarity: How to Land Your Next Big Client Using Social Media... more clients, and more money")

What AI Knows About You: The Unseen Digital Footprint

In the digital age, our interactions with various platforms leave behind a trail of data, often referred to as a digital footprint. This footprint is what AI systems use to "know" us. They analyze patterns, preferences, and behaviours to provide personalized experiences. However, this convenience comes with privacy concerns.

Understanding Your Digital Footprint

Your digital footprint is a comprehensive record of your online activity. Every search query, website visit, online purchase, and social media interaction contributes to this footprint. AI systems like Meta AI and Copilot can access public data or data provided by users to generate insights or predictions about individuals. This can lead to a “filter bubble”, where we’re only exposed to information that aligns with our existing views.

Managing Your Digital Presence

In light of these developments, taking a proactive approach to digital privacy is more important than ever. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Review Privacy Settings: Regularly check and adjust the privacy settings on your social media and other online accounts to control what information is accessible. Employ privacy-focused browsers, search engines, and other tools that limit the amount of data collected about you.
2. Be Mindful of Sharing: Think twice before sharing personal information online, especially on public platforms.
3. Audit Your Online Footprint: Periodically Google yourself or use privacy-focused services to see what information about you is publicly available. This can include social media profiles, forum posts, and any public records.
4. Educate Yourself on Data Rights: Understand the rights you have over your data, including the right to access, correct, and delete your information from platforms.
5. Data Removal Requests: If you find sensitive information about yourself online, you can request its removal from the platform or search engine.

AI's role extends beyond personalization; it influences decision-making in business, healthcare, and even governance. As AI becomes more integrated into our lives, understanding and managing our digital footprints will be crucial in maintaining our privacy and autonomy.

Conclusion

While AI's knowledge about us can lead to enhanced user experiences, we must remain vigilant about our digital footprints. By taking proactive steps to manage our online presence, we can enjoy the benefits of AI while safeguarding our privacy. As we continue to navigate this interconnected world, let's ensure that what AI knows about us aligns with what we're willing to share.

In the next edition of “In the Loop with Claudia”, we will delve into the concept of “filter bubble” and provide practical steps to address it.

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That's it for this edition of "In the loop with Claudia"! I hope you found it informative and inspiring.

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