Your Data Might Be Feeding AI. Are You Okay With That?

Most people never read the privacy settings. Entrepreneurs should. It is part of the job.

New research from the Future of Life Institute, covered by international news outlets, showed that the assessments by AI safety experts found that no major AI providers earned a strong safety score.

Even the best U.S. companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, only reached around C+, while others such as Meta and xAI received D-level ratings.

The scores attached are from https://www.the-independent.com/tech/most-harmful-ai-app-chatgpt-gemini-alibaba-b2880884.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Why This Matters

AI is helpful. It remembers, writes, plans, and saves time.

But it also collects what you give it. Your notes. Your client data. Your plans for the next big project.

If you do not check privacy settings, you may share more than you think.

A Simple Privacy Checklist

Use this as a quick guide:

Step 1: Check privacy settings inside your AI tool

Why it matters: You see what is being stored.

Step 2: Turn off training using your data if allowed.

Why it matters: Keeps your ideas private.

Step 3: Never upload client details, social security numbers, or private files.

Why it matters: Protects trust and avoids legal risk.

Step 4: Use a company email, not your personal inbox.

Why it matters: Keeps work and home separate.

Step 5: Back up important files offline.

Why it matters: You still have them if the service fails.

This list works for anyone.

Even if they are new to AI.

One Small Habit That Makes a Big Difference

Before you upload anything, ask yourself:

Would I hand this file to a stranger?

If the answer is no, keep it offline or remove personal details first.

AI should be a tool. Not a window into your business.

Older entrepreneurs are smart. You have seen many systems come and go.

Privacy is one more part of running a business well.

Try This Quick Security Check In ChatGPT

Follow these steps. It should take less than 10 minutes.

1. Open ChatGPT.

   Log in like you normally do.

   
   

2. Go to Settings.

   • Click your name or the three dots in the bottom left.

   • Then click Settings.

     
     

3. Check Data Controls.

   • Go to Data Controls.

   • Look for "Improve the model for everyone" and turn it off.

   • Find "Remote browser data" which allows for cookies. I turn it on.

   • Find "Archived Chats". You want to think about whether you want to allow ChatGPT to keep your chats in their memory. You will need to Archive All Chats to have any chats to manage.

     
     

4. Download or Delete Your Data (Optional).

   • In Settings, look for Data Controls or Manage Account.

   • You can request a copy of your data (Export Data) or delete all your past chats anytime.

     
     

5. Set Your “No-Go” Rule.

   1. Decide what you will never share with AI:

   2. Client names

   3. Passwords

   4. Bank or SSN information

You do not need to fear AI.

You just need to know how to lock the doors.