What Not to Share With AI

Some information should never be shared with AI tools because it can expose you to account theft, scams, privacy problems, or harm if the tool stores, analyzes, or leaks it. The safest rule is this: do not paste anything into AI that you would not want a stranger, company employee, hacker, or future app setting to see. AI can help explain, summarize, draft, and organize, but private details should be removed or replaced with placeholders before you ask.

• Do not share passwords, PINs, one-time codes, or recovery words.
• Remove bank details, ID numbers, medical records, and private documents.
• AI can help with safer versions that use placeholders.
• Be extra careful with uploads, screenshots, voice recordings, and photos.
• Check the tool’s privacy settings before using it for anything sensitive.

AI tools feel like private helpers because you type into a chat box. But the safer way to think about them is as services run by companies. Some tools may save chats, use them for product improvement, allow account review, sync across devices, or connect to other apps. Settings can differ by product, plan, country, and workplace account.

This does not mean AI is always dangerous. It means you should separate the help you need from the private details the tool does not need. For example, AI can explain a bill without seeing your account number. It can help write a complaint letter without your full address. It can prepare doctor questions without your full medical record. It can explain a bank message without your card number or security code.

Use placeholders. Instead of writing your real bank, use [my bank]. Instead of a full name, use [family member]. Instead of a document number, write [ID number removed]. This keeps the useful context while lowering risk. Connect this guide with AI and passwords and how to check if an AI answer is true.

• Clean up a prompt before pasting it into AI.
• Teach a parent or grandparent what details to remove.
• Prepare safer versions of letters, bills, and customer service notes.
• Decide whether a document is too sensitive to upload.
• Build a family rule for passwords, codes, and banking information.
• Compare this page with what not to upload to AI tools.

1. Ask what result you want: explanation, draft, checklist, summary, or question list.
2. Remove details AI does not need to complete that task.
3. Replace private facts with placeholders.
4. Do not upload screenshots that show numbers, barcodes, QR codes, addresses, or account information.
5. Check the AI tool’s privacy and data settings.
6. Use official sources for medical, legal, financial, or government decisions.
7. Delete chats or documents from the tool if the app offers that option and you no longer need them.

Unsafe: “Here is my full bank statement. Tell me if anything is wrong.”

Safer: “Explain what these general fee labels mean: overdraft fee, service charge, interest adjustment. Do not need my account details.”

Unsafe: Uploading a photo of an insurance letter with name, policy number, address, and claim number visible.

Safer: Typing only the confusing paragraph after removing all numbers and personal information.

Never share passwords, one-time codes, PINs, bank details, card numbers, private keys, identity documents, full medical records, or information that could harm you or someone else if exposed.

Yes. Most everyday AI tasks work well with placeholders. You can ask for a clearer letter, a question list, a simple explanation, or a draft reply without giving the AI your real account numbers, address, or private records.

Not automatically. A paid plan may offer different settings or protections, but safety depends on the specific company, account type, privacy controls, and how you use the tool. Always check the official privacy and data settings.

AI privacy settings, memory controls, data retention rules, enterprise protections, and upload features can change. Verify current details on the official help center, privacy policy, and account settings page of the AI tool you use.

Can I paste my resume into AI?

Usually yes after removing phone numbers, address, references, and anything you do not want stored.

Can I upload a medical letter?

It is safer to remove identifiers and ask AI to explain general wording. Ask a medical professional for decisions.

Can AI see my password if I paste it?

The tool may process what you paste. Do not share passwords or codes at all.

Is a screenshot safe?

Only after checking every visible detail, including corners, QR codes, barcodes, tabs, names, and numbers.

What is a placeholder?

A placeholder is a safe replacement such as [my bank], [doctor], or [account number removed].

Should I use AI for legal documents?

AI can help explain plain language, but legal decisions should be checked with a qualified professional.

AI is most useful when you give it the problem, not your private life. Remove sensitive details, use placeholders, verify serious answers, and keep passwords, codes, money information, identity documents, and medical records out of ordinary AI chats.