Think Before You Prompt: Why You Should Be Mindful When Using ChatGPT

Even OpenAI’s CEO says so - your inputs might not be as private as you think.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testifies before a US Senate committee in May 2025.

In a world where AI is your new colleague, your secrets may not be safe.

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming everyday assistants - writing emails, generating code, brainstorming marketing strategies, and even editing your personal bios. But as we rush to embrace this convenience, it’s time to hit pause and consider the digital breadcrumbs we leave behind.

In a recent CNET article, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, made a simple yet powerful statement:

“Be careful what you input.”

Let’s break down why that matters - especially for creatives, developers, businesses, and brands using platforms like ChatGPT.

So, What’s the Risk?

While OpenAI has policies in place to protect user data, inputs may be used to improve models, unless you're using ChatGPT Enterprise or you've manually turned off chat history. This means that the ideas, concepts, or even code snippets you feed into the tool might not be as confidential as you assume.

Example: Asking ChatGPT to generate a unique product idea, client strategy, or pitch deck? That data could become part of the system’s learning process.

What Should You Avoid Sharing?

- Confidential client information

- Internal documents or private URLs

- Proprietary code or algorithms

- Upcoming marketing or product launch strategies

- Personal data (emails, phone numbers, ID numbers)

Best Practices Moving Forward

Here’s how to stay smart when prompting:

• Treat your prompts like social media posts - if you wouldn’t share it publicly, don’t share it in ChatGPT.

• Use vague placeholders (e.g., "Client A" instead of a real name).

• Opt out of training if the platform allows it.

• Consider switching to Enterprise versions if you're working with sensitive data.

• Back up your originality - ChatGPT is powerful, but your creative spark is the real IP.

So Why Still Use ChatGPT at All?

Because it's still a game-changing tool when used responsibly. At Kanewebb, we harness AI to accelerate creativity, enhance productivity, and bring bold ideas to life - but always with a critical eye and secure workflow.

Final Thoughts

AI doesn’t have to be scary - it just needs boundaries. As digital creators and web professionals, we must evolve alongside the tech we use. Stay creative, but stay smart.

Remember: every prompt you type is a digital footprint. Make sure it walks in the right direction.