Artificial Intelligence Tools for Research and Learning

As the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and other large-language models (LLMs) becomes more prevalent in academic and professional settings, concerns about privacy and data security have emerged. This guide explores the privacy implications of using AI-powered tools and offers insights into how users can protect their personal information while utilizing these technologies.

First, don’t enter any private or confidential information into ChatGPT and similar tools. It’s possible that developers may review your entries to improve the next version of their model. 

If you want to make sure your inputs aren't used to improve the model, you can turn off that feature in the settings of ChatGPT.

• Click on your name
• then Settings
• then Data controls
• and turn off the switch called “improve the model for everyone.” 

Temporary chat
Another option is to use the feature called “temporary chat.” At the top of the page, click on the menu that says “ChatGPT,” and then click the option that says “temporary chat.” Then your chat won’t appear in your history and ChatGPT won’t save anything from your conversation.
 

You can do the same in other tools.

• In Perplexity’s settings, the switch is called “AI data retention.”
• In Google’s Gemini, click a button in the lower left called “activity.” At the top of the page that comes up, you can click the menu that says “turn off.”
• In Microsoft Copilot, you can opt out of data collection for AI model training and manage these settings through your main Microsoft Account.   You can also configure privacy settings within each application where Copilot is integrated (e.g., Word, PowerPoint) to grant specific access or turn off permissions.
• Claude doesn’t use your inputs for training unless you opt in.
• NotebookLM: "We value your privacy and never use your personal data to train NotebookLM."

• Temporary chat FAQ - Open AI (ChatGPT, DALL-E)
• Data Controls FAQ - Open AI (ChatGPT, DALL-E)
• Profile, Settings & Languages - Perplexity AI
• Privacy - Anthropic (Claude)
• Apple’s AI promise: “Your data is never stored or made accessible to Apple” - ArsTechnica.  Describes how the "Apple Intelligence" system is integrating into its products. They will use a new "Private Cloud Compute" to ensure any data processed on its cloud servers is protected in a transparent and verifiable way. 
• Training is not the same as chatting: ChatGPT and other LLMs don’t remember everything you say - Simon Willison
• 3 Myths About AI That Just Won't Die   - Daniel Nest, Why Try AI