START HERE · LESSON 8 OF 10 · 10 MIN
What never to paste into AI
Many free AI tools may use what you type to improve their services. A simple habit of redacting first protects you and the people you work with.
Do it now
- Take a real message or document you might ask AI about.
- Highlight every name, phone number, address, ID, account or health detail.
- Replace them with placeholders like [CLIENT] or [AMOUNT].
- Ask your question using the redacted version.
- Put the real details back only in your final copy.
Check yourself
Answer in your head first, then open each one.
Is it safe to paste a customer list into a free chatbot?
No. Redact or use an approved tool with a data agreement.
What is a placeholder?
A neutral label like [NAME] that keeps the meaning without the private detail.
Tip
When in doubt, leave it out.