Safety first: settings to check and the traffic-light rule

Using ChatGPT is about as safe as using email or online shopping, as long as you follow a few simple rules. Here they are.

The traffic-light rule

Before you type anything, think of traffic lights:

🟢 GO: fine to share

• Everyday questions (“What can I cook with leeks?”)
• Letters and emails, with private numbers removed
• General information about you (“I’m retired and live in Devon”)

🟠 THINK FIRST

• Other people’s personal details. Use “my neighbour” instead of their full name.
• Health questions. General questions are fine. Think about how much detail you really need to give.
• Work documents. Check your employer’s rules first.

🔴 NEVER share

• Passwords, PINs or security codes (including codes your bank texts you)
• Bank card or account numbers
• National Insurance, passport or driving licence numbers
• Anything you’d be upset to see made public

Golden rule: ChatGPT will never need your passwords or bank details. If anything ever asks for them, even something that looks like ChatGPT, stop.

Four settings to check today

Go to Settings. On a computer, click your profile picture or name, then Settings. In the app, tap the ☰ menu, then your name, then Settings.

1. Improve the model for everyone (under Data controls) This controls whether your conversations may be used to help train future versions of ChatGPT. Many people prefer to switch it off. ChatGPT works just as well either way. It’s your choice.

2. Memory (under Personalization) ChatGPT can remember helpful things you’ve told it, across different chats. On makes it more personal; off is more private. You can see and delete what it remembers any time. (More in Chapter 10.)

3. Multi-factor authentication (under Security) Turn this on. It means you’ll need a code from your phone as well as your password to log in, so even if someone guessed your password, they couldn’t get in.

4. Temporary chat When you start a new chat, look for Temporary chat (often at the top). It starts a private chat that isn’t saved to your history or memory. It’s perfect for one-off private questions.

Spotting AI-powered scams

Sadly, scammers use AI too. Their messages now look perfectly written, so don’t judge by the spelling. Judge by what they’re asking for:

🚩 Urgency: “Act now or your account will be closed” 🚩 Money or codes: paying, transferring, or reading out a code 🚩 Secrecy: “Don’t tell your bank / your family” 🚩 Odd payment: gift cards, cryptocurrency, a “safe account” 🚩 Too good to be true: guaranteed profits, surprise prizes

Fake voices: criminals can now copy a person’s voice from a short video clip. If you get a call from a “grandchild” or “child” in trouble needing money, hang up and call them back on the number you know. Many families now agree a secret code word for emergencies. It’s a lovely, simple idea.

Report it: forward scam texts to 7726 (free) and scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Try it

• ☐ I’ve checked the training setting
• ☐ I’ve decided about memory
• ☐ My login is protected with two-step verification
• ☐ I know where the private chat option is
• ☐ I know the traffic-light rule

Next: the fun part. Your first ten minutes, and three real wins.