Artificial intelligence chatbots are gaining popularity for addressing queries, particularly ones regarding health. Many users utilize tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and X’s Grok to seek advice or interpretations on medical problems. While these AI models might be useful in some situations, sharing sensitive medical data has significant privacy and security issues.
Why do people use artificial intelligence for health questions?
People frequently use AI chatbots to better comprehend their medical conditions. Some applications even promise to diagnose ailments using images submitted by users, such as medical scans or photos. Elon Musk’s platform X recently urged users to send X-rays, MRIs, and other medical photos to its AI chatbot, Grok. The claimed goal is to enhance Grok’s capacity to read medical images, with the hope that the technology would someday yield correct findings.
However, Musk has acknowledged that Grok is still in its early stages, implying that its capabilities are far from ideal. This raises questions about how users’ medical information is managed and who may have access to it.
What happens to your data?
Medical data is particularly sensitive, and in the United States, it is protected by federal rules such as HIPAA. However, HIPAA does not apply to the majority of consumer apps, including many AI products. This implies that the information you submit to these sites may be used for reasons outside your control.
Generative AI models, such as those employed by chatbots, frequently train on the data they receive to enhance their accuracy. However, firms seldom disclose how the data will be used, who will have access to it, and if it will be shared with third parties. Users rely heavily on the company’s assurances due to the ambiguity of the wording in privacy policies.
In certain circumstances, confidential medical records were included in datasets used to train AI models. This might disclose critical information to unintended recipients, such as employers, insurance, or even government entities.
Risks of Sharing Medical Images:
Uploading medical photos to AI platforms like as Grok may appear to be a rapid approach to gain insights, but it is not without danger. Once shared online, your data may never be completely wiped. Grok’s privacy policy, for example, allows user information to be shared with undefined “related” firms. This lack of openness makes it unclear who may view or use your information.
What to Keep in Mind
While AI technologies are useful and have the potential to improve healthcare in the future, sharing sensitive information with them might be harmful. Security experts advise caution before submitting any sensitive medical information to these networks. You no longer have control over how your data is used or who has access to it after it is published.
Protecting your privacy is critical, particularly when it comes to health. If you require medical advice, it is safer to speak with a registered healthcare expert directly rather than depending on AI chatbots.
This story was based on Zack Whittaker’s report for TechCrunch. You can check out the full article here.
I’m Voss Xolani, and I’m deeply passionate about exploring AI software and tools. From cutting-edge machine learning platforms to powerful automation systems, I’m always on the lookout for the latest innovations that push the boundaries of what AI can do. I love experimenting with new AI tools, discovering how they can improve efficiency and open up new possibilities. With a keen eye for software that’s shaping the future, I’m excited to share with you the tools that are transforming industries and everyday life.