How to use safely artificial intelligence?

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Artificial intelligence can simplify daily activities, from drafting documents and organizing information to learning and automating repetitive tasks. However, using these tools also involves risks related to privacy, information accuracy, and data security.

To benefit from AI without unnecessarily exposing your personal or professional information, it is important to understand what data you share, how to verify the generated responses, and when to intervene with your own judgment. Safe use of artificial intelligence does not require advanced technical knowledge. It means applying a few simple rules before, during, and after interacting with an AI tool.

Do not enter personal data or confidential information

One of the most important rules for the safe use of artificial intelligence is to be careful about the information you enter into a chatbot or generative application.

Depending on the service, account settings, and applicable terms, the information provided may be stored, processed, or used to improve the system. Therefore, do not assume that any conversation with an AI tool is automatically confidential. Avoid entering:

• passwords, authentication codes, or access data;
• card numbers and banking information;
• copies of identity documents;
• personal data about clients, employees, or other individuals;
• contracts, internal documents, and confidential commercial information.

If you need to analyze a document, first remove data that can identify individuals or organizations. Also, check the privacy policy of the service used, as well as the available options for data control.

Rule of thumb: if you do not have permission to publish information online, do not enter it into a public AI tool without checking if that use is authorized and safe.

Verify the information generated by artificial intelligence before using it

A fluently formulated response is not necessarily correct. Generative artificial intelligence systems can produce inaccurate information, misinterpret context, or present as certain claims that are not supported by evidence.

This risk becomes significant when using AI for research, drafting professional materials, or making decisions. Before using a response:

• check the data, figures, and names mentioned;
• consult the original sources, not just the generated summary;
• confirm the existence of the studies and documents cited;
• compare the information with independent and current sources;
• request clarifications if the response is ambiguous or contradictory.

In fields such as health, law, and finance, important information must be validated with official sources or qualified professionals. AI can accelerate the documentation process, but the responsibility for verifying the result remains with the user.

Use trusted AI tools and check privacy settings

Not all applications that use artificial intelligence offer the same security guarantees. Before using a service, check who develops it, what data it collects, and what options it provides for protecting information. Pay attention to the following aspects:

• the existence of a clear privacy policy;
• the types of data collected and the purposes of processing;
• the period for retaining information;
• options for deleting history and controlling data;
• the possibility of disabling certain forms of use of conversations;
• the permissions requested by the application.

In the professional environment, organizations should establish which AI tools are approved and what categories of information can be entered into them. Also, download applications only from official sources and verify the identity of the provider. The popularity of a tool does not automatically guarantee that any application imitating its name or interface is legitimate.

Do not grant unnecessary access to files, email, or other applications

Some AI tools can interact with documents, calendars, emails, and other connected services. These features can be useful but can also expand the amount of information that the application has access to.

Before connecting an account, check if that functionality is necessary for the task you want to accomplish. Apply the principle of least privilege:

• grant only the necessary permissions;
• avoid connecting accounts that contain sensitive information unless there is a clear need;
• check what files and folders can be accessed;
• periodically review connected applications;
• revoke permissions that you no longer use.

If you use AI for managing work documents, follow your organization’s internal policies and applicable data protection requirements.

Be cautious of suspicious links, files, and extensions

Artificial intelligence can be used to create more convincing phishing messages, fake pages, and instructions that mimic communications from known companies. A message may appear professional and contain correct information about the recipient, without coming from the legitimate sender.

Before accessing a link or downloading a file:

• check the real address of the site;
• confirm the sender’s identity through a separate channel;
• do not install extensions or applications just because a chatbot recommends them;
• avoid entering authentication data on pages opened from suspicious messages;
• do not execute commands or scripts that you do not understand.

If you receive an urgent request for payment or for sending information, verify directly with the person or institution involved. Do not rely solely on grammatical errors to identify a fraud. AI tools can generate correct and context-adapted texts.

Images, videos, or voices generated by artificial intelligence are not authentic

Generative tools can create realistic images, modify videos, and reproduce characteristics of a person’s voice. These technologies have legitimate applications but can also be used for impersonation or manipulation.

For example, a call where a voice seems to belong to a family member may contain an urgent request for money. In such a situation, familiarity with the voice is not sufficient proof of the caller’s identity. To reduce the risk:

• confirm financial requests through a separate call;
• contact the person using a number you already know;
• verify information from independent sources;
• do not share unverified images or videos as authentic;
• avoid making important decisions solely based on audio or video material.

Not all materials generated by AI are deceptive, and not all can be identified through visual examination. Context, provenance, and independent verification are essential.

Maintain control over decisions and verify results

Artificial intelligence can propose solutions, summarize documents, and automate certain activities. However, it should not automatically replace human judgment, especially when significant risks are involved. Before applying an AI-generated recommendation, check if it is suitable for your situation, if it is based on current information, and if there are consequences that have not been considered.

In practice:

• read and verify documents drafted with the help of AI before sending them;
• confirm calculations and factual information;
• do not automatically follow financial or medical recommendations;
• check results before allowing a system to execute important actions;
• maintain human oversight over processes with significant impact.

In the professional environment, it is useful to have clear rules regarding the use of AI, verification of results, and approval of automated actions. The goal is not to avoid artificial intelligence, but to use it as a support tool without relinquishing control over decisions.

What to do if you accidentally entered sensitive information into an AI tool?

If you accidentally transmitted confidential information, act according to the nature of the data and the associated risk.

1. Assess what you transmitted. Differentiate between general information and data that may allow access to accounts or identify individuals.
2. Secure accounts if necessary. If you disclosed a password, change it immediately and revoke any suspicious sessions or access. If you exposed an authentication code or financial data, contact the relevant provider.
3. Check the service’s options. Consult the settings and official procedures for deleting the conversation or managing data. Deleting a conversation does not necessarily guarantee the immediate removal of all copies or records.
4. Inform the organization if applicable. If employer or client data were involved, follow internal incident reporting procedures.
5. Seek specialized support for serious incidents. If there is a risk of compromising personal data or a security incident, consult official resources and responsible individuals.

Prevention remains the most effective strategy: checking permissions and removing sensitive data before use is simpler than managing the consequences of an exposure.

Safe use of artificial intelligence starts with simple rules

Safe use of artificial intelligence starts with simple rules: protect personal data, verify responses, control application permissions, and do not make important decisions without independent assessment.

AI can increase productivity and simplify numerous activities, but its benefits depend on how it is used. A responsible approach does not imply permanent distrust, but proportional checks against risk and maintaining control over information and decisions.

For individual users and companies, these rules provide a practical starting point for integrating artificial intelligence into daily activities, with greater attention to privacy, security, and information accuracy.

Sources: enisa.europa.eu, edpb.europa.eu