Convenience with a twist: how artificial intelligence puts your data at risk

Do you know how often you use artificial intelligence tools every day?

Many people associate artificial intelligence or “AI” with robots and science fiction movies, but the reality is that if you use a smartphone, a digital assistant or a computer, you’re already interacting with AI technology.

The goal of most AI technologies is to make life easier. They “listen” to you, help you and answer your questions. That means some of these technologies are always on and always tracking your activities. It’s important to understand how AI works and what you can do to protect your personal information when using AI and other automated tools.

Examples of AI

When you use a voice assistant like Siri or Google Assistant on your phone, Alexa on an Amazon Echo or Google Home, you’re interacting with AI. AI is also built into services like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp through chatbots. Today, AI powers tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, which can write emails, summarize documents and even generate images. In all cases, these technologies store data about you and learn from your interactions to predict your preferences.

If an app seems to understand you and makes great suggestions or recommendations, it’s probably using AI.

Sending your data to the cloud … and beyond

Depending on how it’s configured, AI technology can gather a lot of information about you, from what you say or type to where you are and even your mood. Here are some privacy challenges:

• Data travels: Your information moves through the cloud because your device can’t process complex requests locally.
• Data storage: AI systems store past interactions to improve performance over time.
• Security and privacy unknowns: Companies have different security and privacy practices, which can be hard to understand and may change often.

Think first, then ask

AI technology is convenient, but it’s also designed to monetize data, and your information could be exposed in a breach. Follow these tips:

• Limit sharing: Avoid sharing sensitive personal details that could be used for identity theft or fraud.
• Limit use: If a device or app listens in the background, adjust settings or turn it on only when needed.
• Assume the worst: Data breaches happen frequently, and AI is no safer than other technologies.

AI is here to stay, and its role in everyday life will only grow. Understanding how these tools work and taking steps to protect your privacy puts you in control. Use AI to make life easier but stay informed and cautious so convenience doesn’t come at the cost of your security.

Armed Forces Insurance — Our Mission Is You ®

Armed Forces Insurance was founded in 1887 by military leaders with a single mission: to protect the property of those who protect our nation. We offer premium quality, competitively priced property and casualty insurance to military professionals throughout the United States and overseas. Armed Forces Insurance understands that its members have unique circumstances and insurance needs, enabling the company to offer a level of personalized service that's unequalled in the industry. For more information, visit www.afi.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.