A Disturbing Encounter: Sharing Medical Information Through AI
Recently, I had an unsettling experience while using ChatGPT that raises important questions about privacy and data security in Artificial Intelligence. What began as a simple inquiry about the type of sandpaper to use quickly spiraled into something much more concerning.
In response to my question, ChatGPT provided an unexpected overview of a drug test belonging to another individual—someone who lives hundreds of miles away from me. The reply included sensitive details, such as signatures and personal identifiers. Understandably, this revelation left me feeling anxious and deeply unsettled.
I found myself at a crossroads: how should I handle this unusual situation? With reluctance, I initially considered sharing the transcript to seek advice, but I hesitated. I didn’t want to unintentionally disseminate someone else’s private information further.
In a follow-up comment, I elaborated on my experience without exposing the sensitive details. During this process, I had asked ChatGPT, “What information do you know about me?” only to be met with a description that included personal information about myself—data I would prefer to keep offline. Although it’s possible that ChatGPT was manifesting inaccuracies or “hallucinations,” I felt compelled to verify the names provided and discovered that they matched real locations.
For anyone following this discussion, I use the name “Atlas” in my interactions with ChatGPT, which may clarify some of the references in my comments.
It’s essential to reflect on what this incident means for all users of AI technology. How secure is our data when interacting with these systems? What measures can be implemented to safeguard personal information? As I navigate this unsettling experience, I am left with more questions than answers.
For those interested in further details about my encounter, I’ve linked to my original comment here.
This experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of privacy and the potential risks involved in using Artificial Intelligence platforms. It’s a developing conversation that we all need to engage in as technology continues to evolve.
