A Disturbing Encounter: My Experience with ChatGPT and Confidential Information
Recently, I had an unsettling experience while using ChatGPT. What began as a simple inquiry about the appropriate type of sandpaper quickly escalated into a serious concern over privacy and data security. Instead of the expected guidance on my DIY project, I received a detailed response containing private medical information from an individual located hundreds of miles away.
Curiously, this reply included a file that bore signatures and personal identifiers, which understandably left me feeling alarmed and exposed. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, I found myself in a moral quandary: I was reluctant to share the chat transcript, as I did not want to further disseminate someone else’s sensitive information.
In the aftermath, I attempted to provide clarity on my actions. I posted a comment containing a portion of the chat; however, I opted to remove a section where I inquired, “What information do you know about me?” My rationale was that it could potentially compromise my own privacy, but instead, it revealed personal details that I would prefer to keep offline.
Despite acknowledging the possibility that ChatGPT could be generating inaccurate information, I conducted a brief online search of the names mentioned in the transcript, and they appeared to correlate with the alleged location of the individual involved. This led to a heightened sense of unease regarding the reliability of the AI’s framework.
For those wondering about the quirky name “Atlas,” it was the name designated by ChatGPT during my interaction. I understand that engaging on platforms like Reddit can invite skepticism, but this experience was genuinely perplexing.
If you’re interested in following the discussion surrounding this issue, I’ve provided a link to my comment that elaborates further on what transpired: View Comment Here.
I encourage everyone to be vigilant about their privacy and to consider the implications of AI interactions. This incident has certainly opened my eyes to the potential risks associated with information sharing in the digital age.
