Imagine unlocking an assistant that never sleeps, writes at lightning speed, and can brainstorm ideas
in seconds.
Now imagine handing it sensitive company files or private thoughts without knowing who else might see
them.
That's exactly what we're going to talk about in this lesson.
So whether you're brand new to AI or you've already dipped your toes into tools like ChatGPT, it's
essential to learn how to use these technologies safely and ethically.
In this lesson, we're going to break down how to protect your information.
Use AI responsibly at work and at home, and set yourself up for long term success in a world that's
rapidly evolving.
Let's start with a simple but critical question.
When you type something into ChatGPT or any AI tool, where does the information go?
It's easy to assume your prompts just disappear when you get an answer, but that's not entirely true.
Some AI tools, like public versions of ChatGPT, may store and review your conversations to improve
the model.
However, there are settings that you can adjust to limit that.
The setting is located under Data Controls in ChatGPT settings menu.
Turning this off prevents future conversations from being used to train the model.
Conversations made before turning it off may still be retained until manually deleted.
That means more privacy for you and less exposure of any data you input, which is especially useful
if you work with confidential or proprietary content.
In addition to disabling training, you can also turn off memory features.
These include letting ChatGPT save your preferences, reference past conversations, and personalize
responses.
While these features can make interactions smoother, they also mean that ChatGPT is storing contextual
data about you.
If privacy is a concern, especially in a professional setting, you may prefer to keep memory turned
off.
It's also good to know that when ChatGPT uses search or partners with other providers for web based
queries, your general location based on IP might be shared to refine search results.
However, it does not share your IP address or account information directly.
Now, if you want to know more, make sure to check for these question marks throughout ChatGPT Chatgpt's
features in their documentation.
OpenAI addresses data usage concern in detail.
Now what's the safest move?
The safest move that you can make is to avoid prompts that reveal sensitive information.
You can also disable memory and model improvement features when you don't want your activity to contribute
to future training.
Once these settings are adjusted, you are in control.
You're getting great answers while minimizing data risks, and that's a simple step towards ethical,
responsible AI use.
Now let's talk about using AI at work.
Imagine you're working on a private business strategy or you're handling client information.
You might wonder, can I use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas without exposing sensitive data?
The short answer is yes, but with care.
If you're using a personal account on public tools, treat it like you're posting on a public billboard.
Assume anything you input could one day be seen.
And yes, if the files or content you upload include client names, internal project details, or other
company specific information, the data may be retrained and reviewed by OpenAI, unless you're using
ChatGPT with model training, disabled, or an enterprise level instance with different data usage terms
for professional use, companies should either subscribe to enterprise grade AI services, which offer
strong privacy and data agreements, or avoid sharing any real client names, numbers or confidential
details.
So let's imagine an example.
And instead of typing something like analyze the confidential Q2 sales figure for company X suggesting
improvements, let's instead say analyze a sample set of quarterly sales data and suggest improvements.
You see the difference there?
You get the help you need without exposing specific names and details.
Or instead of asking.
Summarize the 2025 confidential Q2 Financial Report for XYZ Corporation, you could say summarize a
sample quarterly financial report focusing on revenue trends and opportunities.
This way, you protect sensitive numbers and company identity.
For another example, if you need help drafting an email to a high profile client.
Avoid saying draft an apology email to our investor.
Dane, Joe about project delays.
Instead, you can phrase it like draft a professional email informing a stakeholder about a timeline
adjustment.
No names, no details that tie back to the real people or companies involved.
If your company provides a secured internal AI tool with strict privacy protocols, then you can be
more open within those protected environments.
But when using public facing tools, always think first.
Would I be comfortable seeing this on a public billboard?
That one simple question can guide you toward safer and more ethical use of AI.
Every.
Single time.
Safety and ethics aren't just about protecting yourself today.
They're also about thinking ahead.
AI is moving fast.
Regulations are starting to emerge around how companies can use and develop AI responsibly, and these
laws are continuing to evolve.
This visual breaks down the broader concept of AI safety into four overlapping areas security, which
focuses on keeping systems safe from malicious threats.
Assurances which deal with making AI systems function according to their design.
Alignment, which ensures the AI behavior remains in sync with human goals.
And ethics, which considers how these systems affect individuals and society as a whole.
These dimensions overlap because real world AI safety involves all of them working together.
When you're thinking about whether an AI tool is safe or ethical, you're often juggling between multiple
pieces of that one picture all at once.
Staying informed about new AI regulations isn't just for lawmakers or tech experts.
It's becoming part of just being a smart employee, entrepreneur, or creative professional.
Think of it like using a credit card.
You don't need to know how the banking system works in full detail, but you should know the basic rules
to stay safe.
One best practice is to build a habit of checking the AI policies where you work, or where you plan
to use AI.
Some companies now have clear guidelines what's allowed, what's not, and where to be cautious.
If you're not sure whether something is appropriate, it's always better to ask first.
Ethical AI use is about proactive responsibility, not reactive apologies.
Across multiple industries, there are a few core principles that show up again and again in discussions
about AI ethics.
First is accountability.
The idea that humans should stay responsible for the outcomes produced by AI, especially in businesses
or decision making contexts.
Then there's fairness, which means avoiding bias and ensuring equal treatment.
Transparency is also key.
People should understand how an AI system reached its conclusion, and of course, I must be secure
and safe to use, especially when dealing with personal data.
Lastly, good AI is human centric.
It should benefit people and reflect the values that support wellbeing and inclusion.
When you follow these principles in your own AI usage, you're not just avoiding problems, you're helping
set a higher standard.
This kind of thoughtful use makes you a leader in any team or industry.
Now let's switch gears to something more exciting future proofing yourself in this AI powered world.
Start by identifying where you spend the most time in your daily work or weekly routine.
Are there tasks that feel repetitive, manual, or time consuming?
Those are often the best opportunities to introduce AI support, whether it's drafting, planning,
summarizing, or organizing.
It's totally normal to wonder, Will I take my job?
But here's the truth AI isn't just a threat, it's also a tool.
And those who learn how to use it well, ethically, creatively, strategically are going to become
even more valuable.
Take a moment to think about one new skill you've always wanted to grow.
Maybe it's storytelling, data analysis, public speaking, or design thinking.
Now imagine having a coach who can help you explore that skill through real time feedback, curated
resources, and step by step guidance.
That's how AI can serve as your personal coach, your practice partner, your second brain, and your
creative collaborator all in one.
Focus on strengthening your critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creative problem solving,
adaptability, leadership, and communication.
The best way to future proof your career is to lean into the skills I can't replace.
For example, I can draft a marketing plan, but it takes a human to implement it and rally a team around
a compelling vision.
I can generate options, but you decide which ones are meaningful, ethical, and powerful.
That's where your value shines in guiding AI to do meaningful work, not just fast work.
And as the speed of AI advancement accelerates, your ability to stay curious, learn, and adapt without
fear will be your superpower.
Think of yourself as someone who doesn't just use AI.
You guide it.
You collaborate with it.
You make it better to make that real.
Write down one thing you're going to start using this week to build your AI collaboration skills.
Maybe it's testing a new workflow, practicing a task you want to automate, or simply asking better
questions.
These small actions stack up, and it's how confident AI users are created.
Building these muscles now means you're not just keeping your employment, you're setting yourself up
for career growth, leadership, and a future where your work feels more meaningful, not less.
Now that you have these foundations, you're ready to use AI tools responsibly, ethically, and with
confidence.