Getting Started with Gen AI Data Privacy and Your Responsibility

What might feel like a private conversation with a chatbot can lead to unintended data exposure. This module highlights how to safeguard data and use AI responsibly in professional and personal settings.

Be Smart About What You Share with AI Tools

As a reminder, AI tools learn from the data you provide, which means any personal or private information you share could be exposed by the chatbot, either intentionally or accidentally. It's like posting your info on a public forum such as Reddit.

To stay safe, always be cautious about the information you share. The CWRU AI tool is designed to prioritize your privacy by not retaining or using your data to train the AI models. Whenever possible, we recommend using this trusted tool for added security.

In addition, when you are using Generative AI for work, education , or any situation involving sensitive data, ensure you are following your organization’s rules and guidelines to protect both yourself and the data you’re handling.

Recommendations for What Not to Share with Non Secure Tools:

Personal Information:
Home and email addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, another person's information, disciplinary or legal documents, and any personally identifiable information.
Research Materials:
Grant proposals, unpublished data, research drafts, documents related to intellectual property, and information under export control.
Protected Information:
Academic records, data requiring parental consent, and numerical IDs like driver’s licenses or passports.

Even though sharing this information with the CWRU AI tool is allowed, always be mindful and selective about what you provide to any chatbot.

Source: the daily: Generative AI and Protecting Private Information

Professional Integrity and Gen AI

Moreover, your personal and professional development is important. We must continue to develop our essential skills even as Gen AI enables us to do things more efficiently.

Always refer to the AI policies set for your organization or community when considering using any Gen AI tool.
When in doubt, consult with a supervisor, colleague, or advisor.
Reflect on how Gen AI is influencing your work or learning and whether you are still developing the skills that you need.

Go in-depth, and make sure that you are using AI ethically in your environment with this research Kelvin Smith Library Research guide: AI Citation and Academic Integrity