Artificial intelligence–based (AI) chatbots are rapidly changing the way people use technology. From answering questions, drafting emails, to engaging in conversations as companions—these tools have become part of many people’s daily lives. Because of their ease of use and human-like responses, many users consider them trustworthy.

However, experts caution that this sense of comfort can often create a false sense of security. Oversharing or providing sensitive information to chatbots can lead to serious risks, including identity theft, personal data leaks, and even financial loss. This is because conversations with chatbots are not truly private—user inputs may be stored, and sometimes, they might even be exposed unintentionally. That’s why being cautious is essential. Let’s take a look at the 10 types of information you should never share with a chatbot:

1. Personal Information
Your full name, home address, phone number, or email may seem harmless separately, but when combined, they can easily reveal your identity. If leaked, these can lead to fraud, phishing, or even physical stalking.

2. Financial Information
Bank account details, credit card numbers, national ID, or Social Security numbers are prime targets for cybercriminals. Sharing these with a chatbot means they could be stored or hacked, putting you at risk of scams and financial loss.

3. Passwords
Never share your passwords with a chatbot. Once exposed, your email, bank accounts, or social media profiles could be hacked. Security experts recommend keeping passwords only in reliable password managers.

4. Private Confessions or Secrets
Some people use chatbots to vent personal issues. But a chatbot is not a trusted friend or counselor. Your private confessions may remain logged and could surface unexpectedly later.

5. Health-Related Information
A chatbot is not a doctor. Sharing medical symptoms, prescriptions, or health insurance details is risky. Not only might you receive inaccurate advice, but your sensitive medical data could also be leaked.

6. Inappropriate or Obscene Content
Sexual content, offensive remarks, or illegal material shared with chatbots can be recorded. This could result in account suspension or data exposure in the future.

7. Confidential Office or Business Documents
Copy-pasting business strategies, research, or confidential documents into a chatbot is dangerous. Many chatbots use user input to train their models, which could compromise your company’s security.

8. Legal Matters
Details about contracts, lawsuits, or personal disputes should not be shared with chatbots. They are not lawyers and can give misleading advice. If such information is exposed, it might also weaken your legal position.

9. Sensitive Photos or Documents
Uploading your national ID, passport, driver’s license, or personal photos is highly unsafe. Even if deleted, digital traces may remain. Hackers could later use these for identity theft or fraud.

10. Anything You Don’t Want Made Public
The golden rule: never share anything with a chatbot that you wouldn’t want made public. Even seemingly casual conversations may remain stored in the system and could be revealed unexpectedly in the future.

Source: Times of India