AI-powered tools can significantly boost work efficiency and speed up research, content creation and data analysis. They are increasingly becoming an everyday aid in both business and private life.
The problem arises when users start treating AI chatbots as an infallible source of truth or thoughtlessly pass on data to them that should never leave the organisation or private devices.
Below, we outline the most common mistakes associated with using AI chatbots – and explain why they can be dangerous.
1. Sharing sensitive data
The biggest mistake is entering confidential information – whether business or personal – into AI chatbots. Many people assume that the conversation ‘stays on the screen’, whereas in reality the data may be stored, analysed or processed by the service provider.
Why is this risky?
Models can use the data for further training.
The consumer versions of many chatbots use user input by default to improve the quality of their models. This means that confidential information may be used in the training process or stored in system logs.
Lack of control over the infrastructure
The data is sent to servers operated by third-party providers such as OpenAI, Google or Anthropic. Users generally have no real control over:
- where the data is stored,
- who has access to it,
- how long it is retained,
- or what the security procedures are.
Selected conversations may be reviewed by humans
AI providers use moderators and quality analysts. Snippets of conversations may be reviewed to improve system performance or detect fraud.
System errors and cyberattacks do happen
AI systems are also vulnerable to security flaws. One example was a vulnerability in ChatGPT in 2023 that allowed some users to view other people’s chat histories. Additionally, if a cybercriminal compromises an employee’s account, they may gain access to the entire history of prompts containing company data.
Risk of GDPR violations
Entering the personal data of customers, employees, or business partners into public chatbots may constitute a violation of data protection laws.
Loss of intellectual property protection
Introduction to a consumer AI tool:
- source code,
- business strategies,
- technical documentation,
- product designs,
- company know-how
may be treated as a disclosure of information to a third party. In practice, this could result in the loss of legal protection or weaken the ability to pursue claims against competitors.
What should you never paste into AI chatbots?
- customer data,
- PESEL numbers,
- login credentials,
- company documents,
- source code,
- financial reports,
- contracts,
- medical data,
- photos of identification documents.
2. Lack of fact-checking
AI models don’t “know” that something is true. They generate responses based on statistical predictions of the next words. In practice, this means that a chatbot might state with complete confidence:
- non-existent sources,
- incorrect statistics,
- false quotes,
- outdated information,
- or completely fabricated facts.
This phenomenon is often referred to as AI hallucinations.
"Internet access" does not solve the problem
Some tools - such as Gemini or Perplexity - can search the internet before generating a response. However, this does not mean that the information is automatically verified.
AI continues:
- may misinterpret sources,
- use outdated websites,
- rely on unverified content,
- or combine several pieces of information to draw a false conclusion.
Therefore, any important information should be verified using a reliable source - especially if it concerns:
- law,
- finance,
- medicine,
- security,
- business data,
- or strategic decisions.
An AI chatbot should be viewed as a support tool, not as the ultimate source of facts.
3. Treating AI as a legal or regulatory advisor
Using AI to make legal, financial, or regulatory decisions is a very risky practice.
Language models do not analyze legal provisions the way a lawyer does. They do not understand legal consequences and do not take responsibility for the implications of their responses. They generate text that sounds credible but may be incorrect or incomplete.
Why is this a problem?
The law depends on the context:
- country,
- industry,
- type of contract,
- status of the parties,
- deadlines,
- local regulations,
- and current legislative changes.
Omitting a single detail can completely change the interpretation of a situation.
In practice, an incorrect AI response can lead to:
- a poorly drafted contract,
- an improper response to a complaint,
- a breach of obligations toward an employee,
- errors in documentation,
- or costly legal disputes.
AI can be useful:
- to prepare a draft,
- organize information,
- conduct preliminary research,
- or summarize documents.
However, it does not replace a lawyer, compliance specialist, or tax advisor.
4. The thoughtless use of AI in private life
The risks associated with AI aren't limited to businesses. More and more people are using chatbots in their daily lives - and often start to treat them as a go-to source of advice.
This can also lead to problems.
Treating AI like a web search engine
The chatbot doesn't always provide up-to-date information. It may generate:
- broken links,
- incorrect prices,
- outdated opening hours,
- or inaccurate information about products or services.
Sharing of personal data
Many people type the following into chatbots:
- addresses,
- phone numbers,
- document information,
- health information,
- family issues,
- workplace conflicts.
This is a very dangerous practice. This data could be stored, analyzed, or leaked as a result of a security breach.
In particular, you should avoid sending:
- PESEL number,
- photos of an ID card or passport,
- test results,
- medical records,
- banking information.
Blind trust in health and fitness advice
AI can generate convincing diet and workout plans, but it doesn't know:
- medical history,
- medications taken,
- allergies,
- test results,
- health limitations,
- or the actual condition of the body.
AI-generated advice can be incorrect or even dangerous.
Emotional and psychological issues
More and more often, users treat chatbots as therapists or emotional counselors. It’s worth remembering that AI:
- does not understand emotions,
- does not take responsibility for the consequences of the advice given,
- does not diagnose mental health issues,
- and does not replace a specialist.
The models are designed to be helpful, polite, and conflict-averse. This may give the impression that they “understand people,” but in reality, it is the result of algorithm optimization, not consciousness or empathy.
Summary
AI is a tool - not an oracle
Artificial intelligence can genuinely boost productivity and support day-to-day work. However, this requires the conscious and responsible use of these tools.
The most important rules are simple:
- Do not share confidential information,
- verify information,
- do not make critical decisions based solely on AI,
- and remember that a chatbot generates responses probabilistically—it does not “know” that something is true.
AI works best as a support for humans, not as a replacement for them.
Author: Szymon Kwaśniewski, IT Support Specialist, Support and Service. akquinet consulting
