Things Not to Tell ChatGPT: 7 Key Details You Should Always Keep Private
Here are 7 things not to tell ChatGPT that every user should be aware of to avoid risks and protect sensitive information.
Are you using ChatGPT to help with everyday tasks, questions, or content? While AI can be a powerful tool, it’s important to know that there are certain things you should never share with it — not because the system is unsafe, but because your personal privacy and security come first.
Why You Should Think Twice Before Oversharing with AI
While ChatGPT is designed with privacy and safety in mind, the ultimate responsibility lies with the user. Even though conversations aren’t stored long-term or used to train the model (especially in personal accounts), sharing private or identifiable details could still pose a risk if your device, connection, or account is compromised.
Understanding the things not to tell ChatGPT is essential to using this technology wisely.
Discover 7 Key Details You Should Always Keep Private
1. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) 🛑
Never share your:
- Full name
- Home address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Social Security Number or passport number
Even though ChatGPT doesn’t retain these details, typing them into any online tool increases your exposure. Treat your personal identity like your most valuable digital asset — because it is.
2. Banking and Financial Details 💳
ChatGPT doesn’t need to know:
- Credit card or debit card numbers
- Online banking logins
- Investment account info
- Wire transfer details
No matter how convenient it may seem to ask questions about finances while referencing your accounts, it’s better to speak in general terms and never input real financial data. Keep your banking between you and your secure institution.
3. Passwords and Login Credentials 🔐
This might seem obvious, but some users still ask ChatGPT to store or remember passwords, or even to help generate secure ones while including real user logins.
Never share passwords, PINs, or secret phrases related to any of your digital accounts. If you need help generating a strong password, ask ChatGPT to suggest examples — but never input actual credentials.
4. Confidential Work-Related Information 📁
ChatGPT is often used to assist with writing professional emails, documents, and reports. That’s fine — as long as you don’t include confidential business data, such as:
- Trade secrets
- Client details
- Non-disclosed strategies
- Internal communications
- Employee records
Sharing sensitive corporate data with any external tool, even unintentionally, could violate your company’s data policies and open the door to serious consequences.
5. Legal Case Information ⚖️
While ChatGPT can help you understand legal definitions or provide general explanations about laws, never share information related to ongoing legal cases, including:
- Names of parties involved
- Court dates
- Evidence
- Personal legal documents
Only a licensed attorney should review or advise on your legal issues. ChatGPT cannot provide legally valid advice, and sharing sensitive legal info online is risky.
6. Illegal, Harmful, or Dangerous Content 🚫
Some users attempt to bypass content guidelines to get information that should not be shared. You should never use AI to:
- Learn how to commit crimes
- Spread misinformation or hate
- Develop malicious software
- Plan unsafe or illegal actions
ChatGPT is programmed to block these types of requests, but trying to force the issue could result in account suspension or legal action.
7. Deep Emotional or Psychological Disclosures 🧠
ChatGPT can be a helpful sounding board for lighthearted questions or motivational support. However, it is not a therapist or mental health professional.
If you’re facing serious emotional issues like depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, please seek professional help. AI tools cannot provide the empathy, nuance, or support you truly need.
Use AI Smartly: Protect Yourself While Benefiting from Technology
ChatGPT is a powerful assistant — but like any digital tool, it should be used with caution. By understanding the things not to tell ChatGPT, you can enjoy the benefits of AI without exposing your personal life, finances, or professional responsibilities.
Always think twice before you type. If the information is private, confidential, or sensitive — keep it to yourself.
FAQ – Things Not to Tell ChatGPT
1. Does ChatGPT store or remember my personal data?
- No. OpenAI does not store personal conversations long-term in personal accounts. However, it’s still best practice not to share personal identifiers.
2. Can I use ChatGPT to discuss my emotional problems?
- You can talk in general terms, but ChatGPT is not a substitute for therapy. Always seek professional support for serious mental health concerns.
3. Is it safe to use ChatGPT on public Wi-Fi?
- Avoid using AI tools on unsecured or public networks, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Use a VPN or private connection for safety.
4. Can I share project details from work with ChatGPT?
- Only if the information is non-confidential and approved for external tools. When in doubt, speak to your company’s compliance or data privacy team.
5. Why does ChatGPT block certain types of requests?
- To maintain ethical use, ChatGPT blocks harmful, illegal, or unsafe prompts in line with OpenAI’s safety policies. Respecting those boundaries protects everyone.
