AI and Your Privacy: What's Regulated and What Isn't

One of the most common questions we get is, "If I talk to an AI, is it going to share my secrets with the whole world?" It’s a valid concern! We’ve spent our lives learning to keep our Social Security numbers and bank passwords under lock and key, and we don't want to lose that privacy now.

When it comes to privacy, the regulations are a bit of a mixed bag. In some places, like Europe, there are very strict laws about how your data is handled. In the United States, the rules are more like a "patchwork quilt"—different states have different rules, and many companies have to make up their own policies.

The most important thing to know is that you are the "Remote Control". You get to decide exactly what the AI knows and what it doesn't.

What Companies Can See

Most AI companies are required by law to tell you how they use your data in a "Privacy Policy." While these are often long and boring, the general rule is that they use your conversations to help "train" the AI to be smarter in the future.

However, they aren't allowed to sell your private identity to just anyone. Most major tools, like Claude, now have "Private" or "Incognito" modes where your conversations aren't saved to train the model. This is like using a "shredder" for your digital notes after you're done with them.

Your Personal Safety "Recipe"

In our book, AI for Boomers, we have one golden rule: "AI cannot see anything you do not give it". It cannot browse your bank accounts or read your mind.

1. Never share passwords or account numbers.

1. Use labels instead of names (e.g., say "my spouse" instead of "Mary").
2. Delete sensitive chats once you have the answer you need.

By following these steps, you are "regulating" your own privacy, which is often more effective than waiting for a new law to pass.

You've got this! You are in charge of your digital space.

Take a moment to look at the "Settings" menu in your AI app today and look for an option that says "Data Privacy" or "Chat History."