AI Tools and Personal Data – Use Safely
A comprehensive overview of AI tools, Large Language Models (LLMs), and other models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Llama, DALL·E, Stable Diffusion, and more. With focus on comparison, functions, privacy, and safe application.
What Are AI Tools and LLMs?
Large Language Models (LLMs) are AI systems that can understand and generate human language. They are trained with enormous amounts of data and can create texts, answer questions, perform translations, generate code, or analyze texts. In addition to LLMs, there are other AI tools that process text, speech, audio, images, videos, or structured data. These models are useful in many areas, e.g., content creation, image generation, research, or decision support.
These models enable productivity boosts but carry risks when dealing with sensitive information. The following overview shows the most important providers, functions, and privacy aspects.
The Most Important AI LLMs
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Models: GPT-4, GPT-3.5
Availability: Web, API, Mobile
Features:
- Natural dialogues and creative texts
- Code generation, analysis, debugging
- Multilingual support
Privacy:
Inputs may be stored for training purposes. Deletion possible, but training data remains in the model.
Claude (Anthropic)
Models: Claude 3 (Opus, Sonnet, Haiku)
Features:
- Long context windows (up to 200k tokens)
- Focus on security/ethics
- Document and code analysis
Privacy:
Inputs are stored; deletion possible. No local version.
Gemini (Google DeepMind)
Models: Gemini Pro, Gemini Ultra
Features:
- Multimodal (text, image, audio)
- Google Workspace integration
- Search and code functions
Privacy:
Cloud-based, inputs are stored; control over privacy settings possible, but not complete.
Llama (Meta)
Models: Llama 2, Llama 3
Features:
- Open source, deployable locally
- Individually customizable
- Text and code generation
Privacy:
With local use, full control, no data transfer to Meta.
Other Relevant AI Tools and Models
Multimodal Models
- GPT-4 Multimodal: Text + image processing
- DALL·E / Imagen / Parti: Image generation from text
- Runway Gen-2 / Synthesia: Video creation from text or clips
Speech and Audio AI
- Whisper: Speech recognition, deployable locally
- Coqui TTS / Tacotron: Text-to-speech
- ElevenLabs: Cloud-based voice cloning
Image and Graphics AI
- Stable Diffusion: Open source, usable locally
- MidJourney: Creative image generation (cloud)
Data Analysis & Code AI
- H2O.ai, PyCaret: Prediction models for tabular data
- AutoML (Google, Azure): Automated model training
- GitHub Copilot, CodeT5: Automatic code completion
Research & Special Applications
- AlphaFold: Protein folding
- SciBERT / ChatScientific: Scientific texts
Privacy in AI Tools
Many cloud-based LLMs store inputs. If personal data is entered, it can be permanently stored, used for training purposes, or passed on to third parties – with potential GDPR violations.
Privacy Comparison AI LLMs / Text-Using AI Tools
| AI Tool / Model | Data Stored | Local Use Possible | GDPR-Compliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Yes (Training) | No | Limited |
| Claude | Yes | No | Limited |
| Gemini | Yes | No | Limited |
| Llama | No (local) | Yes | Yes (local) |
| Stable Diffusion | No (local) | Yes | Yes (local) |
| Whisper | No (local) | Yes | Yes (local) |
Why Data Anonymization Is Important
Regardless of whether you use LLMs or other AI tools: personal data should never be entered unprotected. The most important risks:
- Permanent storage of inputs – even after deletion
- Use of data in model training
- Possible transfer to third parties
- GDPR violations without consent
Solution: Anonymize Data Before Use
This free text anonymization tool offers:
- Automatic Recognition: Identifies all personal data
- Local Processing: Data never leaves your device
- GDPR-Compliant: No transfer to third parties
- Easy Application: Copy text, anonymize, safely insert into AI tools
Best Practices for Companies and Private Users
- Establish anonymization as standard in workflow
- Conduct training on safe use of AI tools
- Define guidelines & compliance requirements for AI use
- Perform regular checks and audits
- Prefer local AI models when possible
Practical Examples
- HR & Recruiting: Anonymize application documents
- Research & Education: Prepare test data GDPR-compliant
- Medicine & Care: Protect patient data before AI analyses
- Companies: Review internal documents before using AI tools
Conclusion
AI tools and LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Llama, as well as multimodal, audio, image, or data analysis AI offer enormous opportunities for productivity, research, and creativity. However, privacy should always have priority.
By anonymizing personal data before input, you protect yourself, your company, and others. Use this free tool: local, GDPR-compliant, no transfer to third parties.