Why You Should Not Enter Personal Data in AI Tools?

The Dangers of Personal Data in AI Tools

More and more companies and private individuals are using AI tools for their daily work. Frequently, personal data is carelessly entered. This can have serious consequences – both legally and for the protection of those affected.

1. Privacy and GDPR Compliance

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires that personal data may only be processed with explicit consent of the affected persons. When you enter such data in AI tools, you transmit it to third-party providers without the affected persons being informed or having given their consent.

2. Storage and Further Processing

Many AI tools store inputs to train their models. This means that personal data such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, or addresses can remain permanently in the providers' databases – even if you want to delete the data later.

3. Loss of Data Control

By entering personal data in AI tools, you lose control over their use. The data can:

• be used for training AI models
• be passed on to third parties
• reappear in other contexts
• no longer be completely deleted

4. Risks for Companies

Companies bear special responsibility. Carelessly entered personal data in AI tools can lead to:

• GDPR Violations: Fines of up to 4% of annual turnover or 20 million euros
• Reputation Damage: Loss of trust from customers and partners
• Legal Consequences: Damage claims from affected persons
• Competitive Disadvantages: Disclosure of confidential information

Which Data Counts as Personal?

According to the GDPR, personal data is all information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. This includes:

• Names (first and last names, company names)
• Email addresses and contact data
• Phone numbers
• Addresses (streets, cities, postal codes)
• Birth dates and age information
• Banking data (IBAN, account numbers, credit card numbers)
• IP addresses and device IDs
• Personal numbers (social security numbers, tax IDs)
• Health and medical data
• Biometric data

The Solution: Data Anonymization Before Using AI Tools

The best way to protect personal data in AI tools is anonymization before input. This free Text Anonymization Tool supports you:

• Automatic Recognition: The tool automatically identifies personal data in text
• Local Processing: All data remains on your device, no transmission to servers
• GDPR-Compliant: No transfer to third parties
• Easy Application: Copy text, anonymize, and safely insert into AI tools

Best Practices for Safe Handling of AI Tools

1. Establish Data Anonymization as Standard

Make anonymization of personal data a fixed part of your workflow.

2. Training for Employees

Inform employees about the risks of entering personal data in AI tools and provide suitable anonymization tools.

3. Clear Guidelines and Compliance

Create binding guidelines for the use of AI tools in your company and ensure their compliance.

4. Regular Reviews

Perform regular checks to ensure that no personal data is carelessly entered in AI tools.

Practical Examples for Use

• HR Departments: Anonymize application documents before AI analyses are performed
• Research & Teaching: Anonymize test and experimental datasets
• Medical Facilities: Protect patient information before AI analyses
• Companies: Review internal documents before they are fed into chatbots or AI systems

Conclusion: Privacy First

Using AI tools can make work easier, but the protection of personal data must not be neglected. By anonymizing before input into AI systems, you protect yourself, your company, and the affected persons.