It’s been 6 months since ChatGPT took the world by storm, and the headlines show no sign of slowing. But while many extoll the undeniable benefits of generative AI tool, there’s an increasing number of people calling for caution. Data security and privacy concerns are one reason for that caution.
CNN warned people not to share anything with ChatGPT that they wouldn’t want made public. At one point, Italy has banned the tool altogether. And now the European Union is sounding the alarm.
In this blog, we’ll explore the risks to be aware of.
Data privacy and security
Generative AI tools rely heavily on data – data that could contain sensitive or personal information. There’s very little transparency about how the tools store and handle data, and that’s concerning in terms of how data is used and how it’s protected.
Similarly, if put in the wrong hands, ChatGPT could potentially be used to generate responses that manipulate or deceive individuals. This could include phishing attacks or other forms of social engineering.
Data storage
ChatGPT collects and stores vast amounts of data about users, including their preferences, browsing history and personal information they input. The data collected can be a goldmine for hackers, cybercriminals and other malicious actors. Cybercriminals may exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to the stored data and use it for their gain.
Data sharing
Another risk is the potential for data sharing with third-parties – like other businesses, affiliates, AI model trainers and more.
While these third parties might offer valuable insights and services, they may not have the same data protection policies and standards as the primary provider. Again, this lack of protection can leave data vulnerable to breaches, leaks and unauthorised access, not to mention unwanted advertising and marketing contact.
Weighing up the risks
It’s not all doom and gloom. When used strategically, generative AI can deliver significant benefits, including cost savings and improved customer services. Its speed and versatility can drive efficiencies and free up valuable human resources for more complex and nuanced tasks.
As with any technology, data security and privacy risks need to be examined and mitigated within the context of your own organisation’s requirements and policies. After all, you can get lots of value out of ChatGPT without putting sensitive data at risk – you just have to be aware of what you’re doing and conscious of what you provide.
—
To find out more on how to deliver seamless CX that doesn’t compromise on security, download our whitepaper: AI-driven technologies: Balancing Customer Trust and Security while Improving CX.
