[101] Is ChatGPT safe to use? Security concerns regarding the AI chatbot

By Kuksung Nam, The Readable
Jul. 14, 2023 1:50PM GMT+9

* This article was written in collaboration with Ringle.

Have you ever imagined having a personal assistant who can summarize a lengthy report in the blink of an eye and translate documents into multiple languages? One who can collect just the correct information you need and give you instant tips when you are stuck with unwavering computer programs? It is becoming real. The newest technology, ChatGPT, has shaken the globe, attracting those who are in need of a helping hand.

However, there are several precautions that one has to keep in mind before using ChatGPT. First, this artificial intelligence chatbot doesn’t always tell the truth. At the bottom of the chatbot’s prompt, there is a warning that states that it “may produce inaccurate information about people, places or facts.” ChatGPT, at times, fabricates or hallucinates answers. Although the generated answer may seem plausible, it could, in fact, be factually incorrect or, worse, have absolutely no relation to the given question.

In addition, be aware that the chatbot’s training is based on data created before September 2021; thus, there are limitations to ChatGPT’s answers. For example, if you ask for a list of Pixar movies, the chatbot will respond with several famous movies, such as Inside Out or Toy Story 4 which were released in 2015 and 2019, respectively. But it will not include Elemental, released this year. Therefore, it’s best to fact check ChatGPT before relying on its research.

Lastly, this chatbot is not an appropriate safety vault where you could spill your secrets. Experts recommend that users not enter personal information into the prompt such as email addresses and phone numbers. This also includes confidential data related to your team or company. If the information is sensitive and could cause you or your firm severe problems if it were open to the public, it is best to keep it as far away from the latest AI chatbot as possible.

While ChatGPT offers numerous advantages, it is essential to acknowledge that, like other modern technologies, it may not always provide entirely accurate or comprehensive information. Moreover, it is crucial to remain vigilant about potential privacy concerns—especially in regard to how data given to ChatGPT is processed.

nam@thereadable.co

The cover image of this article was designed by Sangseon Kim.

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Kuksung Nam is a journalist for The Readable. She has extensively traversed the globe to cover the latest stories on the cyber threat landscape and has been producing in-depth stories on security and privacy by engaging with industry giants, foreign government officials and experts. Before joining The Readable, Kuksung reported on politics for one of South Korea’s top-five local newspapers, The Kyeongin Ilbo. Her journalistic skills and reportage earned her the coveted Journalists Association of Korea award in 2021 for her essay detailing exclusive stories about the misconduct of a former government official. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in French from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, a testament to her linguistic capabilities.