The Boomer's Guide to AI Safety and Security
AI safety is about using tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini without putting your personal information, finances, or family at risk. Just like you lock your front door but still enjoy going outside, you can take simple precautions to enjoy AI technology safely. This guide covers how to spot scams, protect your privacy, and separate fact from fiction.
The Golden Rule of AI Safety If there is one rule to remember, it is this: Treat AI like a neighbor you chat with over the fence.
You can share recipes, gardening tips, and general stories with a neighbor. But you wouldn't hand them your wallet, your Social Security card, or your house keys. AI is the same. It is helpful and friendly, but it is not a vault for your secrets.
⚠️How to Protect Your Privacy Using AI doesn't mean giving up your privacy. Here are the three pillars of keeping your data safe:
No Financials: Never type credit card numbers, bank account info, or tax details into a chatbot.
No Passwords: AI cannot "store" your passwords safely. Never type them into the chat window.
Opt-Out Options: Most AI tools, including ChatGPT, allow you to turn off "chat history training" in the settings. This stops them from using your conversations to teach the computer.
Spotting the New Scams Criminals are using AI, too. The most common threats today include:
Voice Cloning: Scammers can take a short recording of a voice (from a Facebook video, for example) and use AI to make it say anything. This is the new version of the "Grandparent Scam," where a caller sounds exactly like your grandchild begging for money.
Deepfakes: These are photos or videos created by computers that look real but aren't. They are often used on social media to spread fake news or trick people into investing in fake celebrity endorsements.
The "Hallucination" Problem Sometimes, AI just makes things up. In the tech world, this is called a "hallucination."
If you ask an AI for a specific historical date, a medical dosage, or a legal citation, it might give you a wrong answer that looks right. Always verify important facts with a second source, like a doctor, a lawyer, or a trusted news site.
What's Next? Being safe doesn't mean being afraid. It means being prepared. Read our detailed guides on:
How to spot AI voice scams
Identifying fake images on Facebook
Checking your privacy settings
Knowledge is your best shield. Once you know what to look for, you can use these tools with confidence.