What never to paste into a chatbot (and what's fine)
In short: Assume anything you type into a public chatbot could one day be seen by someone else. Keep out passwords, card and account numbers, ID numbers, health details and other people's private information; general questions and de-identified text are fine.
Last checked: · Next check: · Settings and menus change often.
General information only, not legal advice. Laws and rules differ between countries and regions, so always check what applies where you live, and get professional advice for your situation.
Why be careful
Chats can be stored, reviewed by people and used to improve the AI, depending on your settings. Google, for example, asks people not to enter confidential information they wouldn't want a reviewer to see. Grok's FAQ asks users not to share personal or sensitive information. Shared chat links can also end up public.
Never paste
- passwords, PINs, one-time codes and security answers
- bank account, card and super account numbers
- tax file, Medicare, passport and driver licence numbers
- full medical records or test results with your name on them
- other people's personal details (customers, patients, students, family) without their OK
- work documents marked confidential, or anything your workplace says not to share
- photos of ID cards or documents with signatures
Think twice before pasting
- your full name, address and date of birth together
- screenshots of banking or government apps
- legal letters or contracts with names and amounts in them
Usually fine
- general questions ("How does salary sacrifice work?")
- your own writing with names removed
- budgets with just categories and amounts
- a resume with your address and phone number taken out
Quick ways to de-identify
- Replace names with "Person A", "Client B".
- Swap exact amounts and dates for rough ones if they don't matter to the answer.
- Delete account numbers, addresses and email signatures.
- Crop screenshots to just the part you need.
Recipes that show how
- Summarise a long email or letter
- Prepare questions for your doctor's appointment
- Build a simple monthly budget
- Tailor your resume to a job ad
Guide only. No affiliate or sponsored links on this page. Disclaimer · Affiliate disclosure
Related recipes
Summarise a long email or letter
Get the key points and what you need to do from a long message.
Health & fitnessPrepare questions for your doctor's appointment
Organise your symptoms and questions. AI doesn't diagnose; that stays with your doctor.
Money & budgetingBuild a simple monthly budget
Turn your income and bills into a clear budget with savings goals.
Work & careerTailor your resume to a job ad
Match your resume to the key words in a job ad, without making anything up.