How much are you telling AI about yourself?

A Trend Micro blog post highlights how artificial intelligence tools inadvertently gather sensitive user data through everyday interactions. The company notes that users often disclose personal details—such as health concerns, family situations, or financial queries—without realizing AI builds a profile from these exchanges. This data can later be exploited for targeted ads or scams, even if users never intended to share it publicly. Trend Micro cites examples where users ask AI assistants about health conditions, school options, or mortgage rates, unknowingly creating a detailed digital footprint. The information is used to tailor personalized ads or, in malicious cases, craft convincing scams based on the user’s disclosed details. To mitigate risks, Trend Micro recommends keeping conversations general rather than specific. For instance, instead of naming a family member’s health issue, users should describe it vaguely, like ‘an elderly relative struggling with medication.’ The company also advises reviewing AI platform settings to disable chat history storage, delete past conversations, or opt out of data training. A 2026 Trend Micro study found that 60% of people avoid entering sensitive information into AI tools, a precaution the company endorses. Users are urged to pause before sharing personal details, treating AI interactions with the same caution as public forums. Trend Micro’s blog provides additional guidance on avoiding AI-powered scams, emphasizing awareness as the first line of defense against misuse of shared data.