New Zealanders Warned Over Risks of Sharing Data with AI Chatbots
A new report from cybersecurity company Avast has highlighted a growing concern for New Zealanders using artificial intelligence. While many people in the country are worried about the rise of AI-generated fake content, they are simultaneously sharing sensitive personal information with AI chatbots, putting themselves at risk of scams and data leaks.
Experts explain that users often feel a false sense of security when interacting with AI tools. Because these programs can sound very human and helpful, people may forget that the information they type into a chat window is being stored and processed by the technology companies behind the software.
This "confidence trap" means that users are frequently inputting private details, such as home addresses, financial information, or work-related data, without realizing the potential consequences. Security researchers warn that if these AI platforms suffer a data breach, that private information could be exposed to hackers and cybercriminals.
To stay safe, digital security experts suggest that New Zealanders should treat AI chatbots like any other public website. They recommend avoiding the input of any personal, private, or sensitive information into these tools. By being more cautious about what they share, users can enjoy the benefits of AI while protecting their personal privacy.