Insights: Protecting your privacy in the age of GenAI

Gulf Business

12-05-2025

Image: Supplied
In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence tools have seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of our lives.
These generative AI tools, with their ability to create content and enhance productivity, have become indispensable in our daily routines. As families venture into this new digital frontier, they encounter a labyrinth of potential threats that require careful navigation.
Unlike traditional search engines, AI tools capture and store every interaction; therefore, making it crucial to understand how your data could be used or exposed These tools can collect more information than one might expect, from IP addresses and location data to social media activity.
This treasure trove of data underscores the importance of being judicious about the information you share, as maintaining online anonymity plays a key role in safeguarding both you and your family.
Anonymity in the age of AI and GenAI
In an era where data is currency, taking steps to anonymise your profile is crucial. A good starting point is to create a new, dedicated email address for chatbot sign-ups, keeping it separate from your personal email associated with your financial accounts to maintain a layer of separation.
Enhance your privacy further by using a VPN to encrypt your connections, effectively shielding your device's IP address and location from being collected. When choosing an AI platform, prioritise reputable services and disable 'model learning' to limit data collection, ensuring your digital footprint remains as discreet as possible. These measures help keep your chats, images, and conversations private, allowing you to maintain greater control over your data.
When engaging with AI tools, exercise discretion by using general parameters rather than specifics, opting out of data collection whenever possible, and routinely clearing cookies and history to effectively minimise data retention. For instance, if you're drafting a resume, refrain from inputting personal details. Instead, find ways to ask for assistance without revealing your identity to maintain a level of anonymity.
Additionally, make it a habit to log off after each session and regularly clear cookies and history. This simple practice can prevent the system from continuing to gather information about you and your activities, helping you maintain a more discreet digital footprint.
Cybersecurity Toolkit: Back to basics
While the digital world continues to evolve, it's reassuring to know that the basics still offer strong protection for our digital lives.
Multi-factor authentication remains a cornerstone of digital security, adding a strong layer of protection that make unauthorised access to online banking, email, social media, shopping, and other accounts significantly more challenging.
Equally important is the use of strong, unique, and complex passwords across various platforms, which can be efficiently managed with the help of a reputable password manager. Running continuous antivirus software on all devices acts as a vigilant defense against malware and other threats, ensuring your devices remain protected.
Moreover, keeping your operating systems and software up-to-date is vital for closing potential security gaps, reinforcing your defenses against exploitation.
Public AI tools: A new avenue for cyber threats
Public AI tools have opened new avenues for hackers and cybercriminals to profile and target individuals and families. These malicious actors can leverage AI to craft sophisticated malware designed to infiltrate commonly used systems, generate convincing phishing emails in multiple languages devoid of telltale signs like bad grammar or misspellings.
Be especially cautious with any requests to alter payment information or share sensitive data, as these are often tactics used by cybercriminals. To counter these threats, it's crucial to always verify the sources of emails, phone calls, texts, and even video calls through a separate, trusted channel.
Voices of deception: Navigating deepfakes
An emerging threat in this landscape is the rise of voice deepfakes.
As fraud attempts escalate, the need to validate the identity of individuals making requests — particularly those involving financial transactions — has never been more critical.
For families, establishing a 'safe word' to confirm urgent requests offers a simple yet effective strategy to ensure authenticity and fortify trust in an age of digital deception.
Raising digital natives: AI safety for children
Integrating AI safety into everyday conversations with young children is as vital as imparting basic life lessons. As children, driven by their natural curiosity, increasingly interact with AI-powered tools and devices, it's imperative for parents to establish clear guidelines early.
This proactive approach equips children to navigate the complexities of AI technology safely, fostering responsibility and awareness as they explore the digital landscape.
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