Learning path › Module 3 · Use AI with sound judgement

Lesson 8 of 10 · 6-minute read

Protect your data and other people's

What to keep out of an AI assistant, and how to remove identifying details from a document.

Goal

Build good privacy habits before every use of AI.

Material you enter into an online AI assistant is sent to a service. Storage, retention and training use vary by tool, account type and settings. Check your organisation's rules before using work information.

Keep these out of unapproved tools

  • Passwords, access codes, bank card details and Mobile Money account information.
  • Identity documents, medical records and information about children.
  • Client or beneficiary data, including names, phone numbers and addresses.
  • Non-public contracts, financial information and internal strategies.

Remove identifying details

Replace identifying information before sharing permitted examples: “Mr Kouassi” becomes “Client A”, and an exact amount becomes a broad range. Removing names alone may not prevent re-identification; check the remaining context too.

Check your settings

  • Look for the settings governing retention, history and training use, and choose deliberately. Settings do not replace your organisation's authorisation.
  • Use organisation-approved professional accounts where available.
  • Check your employer's policy: some tools or uses may be prohibited.

Respect people's image and voice

Imitating a real person's image or voice can cause harm. Seek their permission and clearly disclose AI-generated material where relevant. Follow the rules that apply to your work.

Today's challenge

Open your most-used assistant's privacy and history settings. Review them alongside your organisation's policy and decide which uses are permitted.