There are so many 'AI' apps. How do I know which are safe?
Check who runs an AI app, what access it wants and what it will cost.
No name, rating or app-store badge can prove an app is safe for every task. Look at the real provider and the choices the app asks you to make.
Check what it can read and what it can change. A tool that helps with email may need email access for that task. That does not mean it needs access for every task.
Read how data is used, stored and deleted. Check the price, trial end and renewal terms too. Paid does not mean private, and free does not always mean your data is sold.
- Start from the provider's known site and check the app's publisher and support details.
- Write down one task you want it to do. Match each requested permission to that task.
- Decline access you do not need. If the app offers access to selected files only, consider that smaller choice.
- Try a made-up example first. If costs, access or data rules are unclear, leave the app unused until you can check them.
Make a blank app review checklist: provider, task, data it can read, actions it can take, price, renewal date and delete options. Do not recommend or install an app.
Paste the message into ChatGPT, then fill in any blanks before you send it. ChatGPT opens in a new tab. Opening it does not send the message.
Reviews can help you find concerns. They cannot prove that an app's privacy claims are true.
Sources and more help
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