The Hidden Dangers of Chatbots: Who's Listening to Your Conversations?

AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and DeepSeek offer impressive convenience—but they come with serious privacy and security risks. This blog explores how these tools collect, store, and use your data—often without your explicit knowledge. It breaks down what each major chatbot platform is doing behind the scenes, highlights the potential threats to users and businesses, and provides practical tips for safeguarding sensitive information. If you're using AI in your daily workflow, understanding the hidden dangers is critical. Stay informed, stay secure—and start by scheduling a free network assessment to protect your organization.

Advice

April 17, 2025

AI-powered chatbots like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and DeepSeek are changing how we work and communicate. From writing emails and generating content to managing your grocery list on a budget, these tools offer incredible convenience.

But as these chatbots become more integrated into our personal and professional lives, one critical question arises: What’s happening to the data you share with them?

The answer might surprise you.

Are Chatbots Always Listening? Yes—And They’re Collecting More Than You Think

Chatbots are not just passive tools. They actively collect, store, and in many cases, share the data you provide. Some platforms are more transparent than others, but make no mistake: data collection is happening behind the scenes.

So what exactly are they collecting—and where is it going?

How Chatbots Collect, Store, and Use Your Data

1. Data Collection

Every time you engage with a chatbot, you’re feeding it data—sometimes sensitive data. This includes:

Personal details (names, addresses, financial info)
Proprietary business information
Behavioral patterns and preferences

2. Data Storage & Retention

Here's how the major platforms handle your information:

ChatGPT (OpenAI): Collects prompts, device data, location, and usage history. May share data with “vendors and service providers” to improve services.
Microsoft Copilot: Tracks similar data as OpenAI, plus browsing history and app interactions. This data may be used for ad personalization and model training.
Google Gemini: Logs conversations for up to three years, even if you delete your activity. Conversations may be reviewed by humans for training purposes. Google says it doesn’t use this data for targeted ads—but privacy policies can change.
DeepSeek: The most invasive of the bunch. Collects prompts, chat logs, device data, typing patterns, and location—and stores this information on servers located in China. Data is used for AI training, ad targeting, and behavioral profiling.

3. Data Usage

Data collected by chatbots is typically used to:

Improve AI performance
Train large language models
Enhance personalization
(In some cases) Serve targeted ads

The problem? You may not have knowingly consented to this level of access.

The Real Risks of Chatbot Use

Engaging with AI chatbots can expose users and organizations to a range of cybersecurity and compliance risks:

Privacy Violations

Sensitive data shared with bots can end up being accessed by third parties or exposed in data breaches. Overpermissioning in platforms like Microsoft Copilot has raised red flags for data privacy.

Security Threats

Chatbots embedded in larger platforms can be exploited by bad actors. Research shows that Microsoft Copilot could be manipulated to launch spear-phishing attacks and exfiltrate data.

Compliance Concerns

Using AI chatbots without understanding their data practices can put you at odds with regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. Many organizations are already restricting tools like ChatGPT due to compliance worries.

How to Protect Yourself When Using Chatbots

Take these proactive steps to stay safe:

Don’t Overshare: Avoid inputting personal or sensitive business information into AI tools.
Review Privacy Policies: Understand what each platform collects and how it’s used. ChatGPT, for instance, allows users to opt out of data sharing.
Use Privacy Tools: Tools like Microsoft Purview help organizations apply compliance and governance controls to AI usage.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on policy changes and platform updates to avoid unexpected surprises.

Final Thoughts: Be Smart About Your AI Interactions

AI chatbots are powerful tools for productivity, creativity, and automation—but they also come with hidden risks. The key is awareness and control. Know what you're sharing, who has access to it, and how to protect yourself and your organization.