Guides / Guide
Is it safe to share personal information with AI chatbots?
In short: Treat a chatbot like a public noticeboard. Don't paste passwords, account or card numbers, Medicare or tax file numbers, or other people's private details. Check each service's privacy settings.
Checked: 18 Oct 2026, prices and features change. · Last updated:
Never paste these
- passwords and PINs
- bank account and card numbers
- tax file numbers, Medicare numbers and licence numbers
- other people's health or personal details
Safer habits
- Strip details first. Replace names with "Person A" and remove addresses before pasting.
- Check the settings. Most chatbots let you control whether your chats are used to improve their models; for example, Anthropic's pricing page lists model training as opt-out on its personal plans. Look in each app's privacy or data settings.
- Use temporary or incognito chats where available for anything sensitive.
- Log out on shared computers.
Learn more
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has plain-English guidance on protecting your privacy online.
Common questions
Can AI companies read my chats?
Policies differ by company and plan. Read the privacy policy and settings for the chatbot you use, and assume anything you paste could be stored.
Is it OK to paste my resume?
Yes, if you remove your address and phone number first. See Tailor your resume to a job ad.
Guide only. No affiliate or sponsored links on this page. Disclaimer · Affiliate disclosure
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