As your trusted technology partner, we need to pull back the curtain on what’s really happening when you hit “send” on that chatbot conversation.Those friendly AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and the newcomer DeepSeek? They’re amazing productivity tools, right? Drafting emails, creating content, even helping you stick to your grocery budget – they seem like the perfect digital assistants.
But while you’re chatting away with these AI tools, they’re quietly collecting data about you and your business. And some are far less transparent about it than others.
The Digital Eavesdroppers: What They Know About You
1. ChatGPT: OpenAI isn’t just collecting your prompts – they’re grabbing your device information, location data, and usage patterns. And that data might be shared with their “vendors and service providers” for “service improvements.” Sound vague? We think so too.
2. Microsoft Copilot: Beyond what OpenAI collects, Microsoft is also tracking your browsing history and how you interact with other apps. This treasure trove of information can be used for everything from personalized ads to training their AI models.
3. Google Gemini: While promising not to use your data for targeted ads (for now), Gemini keeps your conversations for up to three years – even if you delete your activity! And yes, real humans might review your chats to “enhance user experience.”
4. DeepSeek: This newer player takes data collection to another level. They’re not just collecting your prompts and chat history – they’re monitoring your typing patterns and using your data for targeted ads. Most concerning? All this information is stored on servers in China.
The Real-World Risks We’ve Seen
As an MSP working with businesses across various industries, we’ve witnessed firsthand the potential consequences of careless AI use:
1. Privacy Breaches: We’ve helped clients navigate situations where Microsoft’s Copilot exposed confidential data due to overpermissioning issues.
2. Security Vulnerabilities: Our security team has demonstrated how chatbots can be manipulated by bad actors for spear-phishing attacks and data theft.
3. Compliance Nightmares: Several of our clients in regulated industries have faced potential legal issues when they discovered their teams were sharing sensitive information through chatbots that didn’t meet GDPR requirements.
The OmegaCor Approach to Safer AI Usage
We don’t believe in fear-mongering – these AI tools are incredible when used properly! Here’s how we help our clients use chatbots safely:
- Know What You’re Sharing: We train teams to recognize what information should never be shared with AI tools.
- Privacy Policy Deep Dives: Our experts analyze the fine print of these services and translate it into plain English so you know exactly what you’re agreeing to.
- Custom Privacy Controls: We implement tools like Microsoft Purview to give you granular control over how AI tools interact with your business data.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Technology and policies change rapidly. We keep you updated on shifts in privacy practices that might affect your business.
Take Control of Your AI Interactions
At OmegaCor, we believe that technology should work for you – not the other way around. AI chatbots can dramatically boost your productivity when used wisely, but that requires understanding the privacy trade-offs.
Want to make sure your business is using AI tools securely? We’re currently offering a FREE Network Assessment that includes an evaluation of your AI usage policies and potential vulnerabilities.Our assessment will identify any security gaps in your current setup and provide actionable recommendations to protect your business data while still benefiting from these powerful tools.
Remember, at OmegaCor Technologies, we’re not just your IT provider – we’re your partner in navigating the complex digital landscape safely and successfully. 🌐 Learn more at www.omegacorit.com