Is it safe to let an AI tool connect to my email or photos?
Check what a tool can read and change before linking it to private accounts.
An AI tool may need email access to search your inbox. It may need a photo to edit it. Read the request before you grant access.
Check what it can read and what it can change. Some tools offer selected files or read-only access. Others do not. You can say no and skip that feature.
Check the data rules of both services. Ending a link can stop future access. It does not erase copies already saved in chats, files or another service.
- Name the task you need. For practice, use a made-up note rather than your inbox.
- Read the account name and access on the setup screen. Check if the tool can send, edit or delete as well as read.
- Grant access only if you understand and want it. Check any claimed result in the real app.
- When done, review or end the link in the account settings. Check stored copies separately if you want them removed.
Make a blank list for checking an AI tool's access. Include task, account, what it can read, what it can change and how to end the link. Do not connect to my email or photos.
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.
Other people have privacy needs too. Share only what the task needs from your inbox and photos.
Sources and more help
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