By Nora Ellis
What Information Should You Never Put Into AI?
A plain-language privacy guide for beginners on what to avoid pasting into AI tools and safer ways to get help.
Quick answer
Do not put passwords, account numbers, Social Security numbers, private health details, financial records, legal documents, confidential work information, or other people's sensitive information into AI unless you fully understand the tool, privacy settings, and rules. For everyday tasks, remove names, numbers, and identifying details before asking for help.
Key takeaways
- Remove sensitive details before pasting text into AI.
- Never share passwords, account numbers, or identity documents in a normal AI prompt.
- Be careful with health, legal, financial, work, and other people's private information.
- Use placeholders when AI only needs the structure of the problem.
Avoid sharing sensitive information by default
AI can help with drafts, explanations, planning, and organization, but it does not need every private detail to be useful.
A safer beginner habit is to remove sensitive information first. If the AI only needs the shape of the problem, use placeholders instead of real details.
- Use [name] instead of a real name.
- Use [company] instead of a company name.
- Use [amount] instead of an account balance.
- Use [date] instead of a sensitive deadline.
- Summarize the issue instead of pasting the full document.
Never paste passwords or account access details
Passwords, login codes, security questions, recovery codes, API keys, and account numbers should not go into a normal AI chat.
AI does not need these details to help you rewrite a message, understand a concept, or make a checklist.
- Passwords.
- Two-factor authentication codes.
- Recovery codes.
- API keys.
- Bank, credit card, or account numbers.
Be careful with identity information
Identity information can be misused if it is exposed. If you are asking AI to help with a form, letter, or document, remove identifying details first when possible.
The AI can usually explain structure or wording without seeing the real numbers.
- Social Security numbers.
- Driver's license numbers.
- Passport numbers.
- Full birth dates.
- Home addresses when they are not needed.
Use extra caution with health details
Health information can be deeply personal. AI may help explain general terms or help you prepare questions, but it should not replace a health care provider.
If you use AI to organize health questions, keep the details general unless you understand the tool's privacy practices and have a real reason to include specifics.
- Medication lists.
- Test results.
- Diagnoses.
- Insurance numbers.
- Private family health information.
Do not paste confidential work information casually
Work documents may include client names, internal plans, financial details, customer information, employee records, or private strategy.
Before using AI for work, check your workplace rules. If you are not sure, use a general version of the situation instead of the real document.
- Client information.
- Private contracts.
- Employee records.
- Unreleased product plans.
- Internal financial details.
Be respectful with other people's information
Privacy is not only about your information. A message, letter, photo description, or story may include someone else's personal details.
If the person did not agree to share those details, remove or generalize them before using AI.
- Other people's health details.
- Private family issues.
- Student or child information.
- Customer information.
- Personal stories that identify someone.
Use this safer prompt template
This prompt helps you get useful help without exposing details the AI does not need.
It works well for emails, forms, letters, workplace situations, and personal planning.
- I am going to describe a situation using placeholders instead of private details. Help me [task]. Do not ask for sensitive information. If you need more context, ask for general details only.
- Here is the situation: [general description].
- Use placeholders like [name], [company], [amount], and [date].
Common mistake: pasting the whole document
When a letter or form is confusing, it is tempting to paste the whole thing into AI. Sometimes that includes information the AI does not need.
Try summarizing first, removing sensitive fields, or pasting only the paragraph you need explained.
- Remove names and account numbers.
- Paste only the confusing section.
- Ask for a plain-language summary.
- Ask what questions to bring to a professional.
- Do not rely on AI for final legal, medical, or financial advice.
Check the tool and settings before sharing more
Different AI tools can have different privacy settings, data controls, workplace rules, and account options. Those details can also change over time.
If the information matters, check the current policy and settings for the specific tool you are using before sharing it.
- Read the privacy policy.
- Look for data controls.
- Check workplace rules.
- Use private or business-approved tools when required.
- When unsure, leave sensitive details out.
Your five-minute action step
Before your next AI prompt, scan what you are about to paste and remove anything private that does not affect the answer.
This small habit lets you keep using AI for practical help while lowering unnecessary privacy risk.
- Remove passwords and codes.
- Remove account numbers.
- Replace names with placeholders.
- Keep only the section AI needs.
- Ask for general guidance when the topic is sensitive.
Related reading
Build safer everyday habits for using AI with drafts, ideas, and decisions.
Is AI safe to use for personal questions?Understand when personal questions are low-stakes and when they need more caution.
Protecting your privacy onlineFTC consumer guidance on protecting personal information and privacy online.
OpenAI Data Controls FAQOpenAI Help Center information about ChatGPT data controls and privacy practices.
More guides in this path
Beginner FAQ
What should I never put into AI?
Do not put passwords, login codes, account numbers, Social Security numbers, identity documents, or highly sensitive private details into a normal AI prompt.
Can I paste a private email into AI?
It is safer to remove names, account numbers, addresses, and other sensitive details first. Use placeholders when the exact details are not needed.
Is it safe to put work documents into AI?
Only if your workplace rules and the tool's settings allow it. When unsure, do not paste confidential work information.
How can I ask AI for help without sharing private details?
Use placeholders, summarize the situation, paste only the necessary section, and ask for general help instead of sharing the full document.
Next step
Want a guided path instead of random tips?
AI Basics Bootcamp turns these beginner ideas into a short, practical course with examples, practice prompts, and progress you can follow at your own pace.