AI Models: Privacy, Security Risks, and Pros & Cons

As AI models become more integrated into daily life, understanding their privacy and security practices is critical. Each platform comes with its own strengths and risks, and choosing the right one means balancing features, data protection, and user control. Here’s a breakdown of five popular AI models—Duck.ai, Perplexity AI, ChatGPT, Bard, and Gemini—evaluated based on key privacy and security factors, including pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Common Security and Privacy Risks in AI Models

Using AI generative models involves several potential privacy and security risks:

• Data Collection Risks: AI platforms often gather more data than strictly necessary. Some collect only basic input, while others collect metadata, device details, or even location data, posing various privacy concerns.
• Data Usage and Sharing Risks: Many AI models use this data to improve their algorithms. This data may also be shared with third parties, sometimes for marketing or analysis purposes. Privacy-conscious platforms typically restrict such practices.
• User Control Risks: User control over data—such as deletion requests or limiting data collection—varies significantly across platforms.
• Security Standards Risks: Most platforms use encryption for data in transit and at rest, but transparency about their specific security measures may differ.
• Compliance Risks: While compliance with laws such as the GDPR or CCPA provides some reassurance, the specifics of how each platform implements these regulations matter. Platforms with rigorous third-party audits and clear documentation inspire more trust.

AI Model Privacy and Security Overview (Ranked by Overall Score)

1. ChatGPT (OpenAI) – Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)

Synopsis: ChatGPT strikes a good balance between functionality and privacy, offering robust performance with solid user control. Though it retains more data than some privacy-first platforms, OpenAI’s compliance with GDPR and CCPA, combined with user options for data deletion, makes it a reliable choice for those seeking performance without sacrificing too much privacy.

Pros:

• Strong performance | User control options | GDPR compliance

Cons:

• Data retention | Shared with third parties | Limited third-party audits

Data Collection: ⭐⭐⭐
ChatGPT collects user input by default unless you actively opt out. While this allows for model improvement, the possibility of retaining sensitive data may be a concern.
Data Usage: ⭐⭐⭐
The collected data is used to fine-tune the model, though users can opt out of this practice. This helps boost performance, but increases privacy trade-offs.
Data Sharing: ⭐⭐⭐
Data may be shared with OpenAI’s affiliates or third-party service providers for business purposes, though this is controlled under strict contracts.
User Control: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Users have access to data deletion options and can manage how their information is used, offering reasonable control over personal data.
Security Standards: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ChatGPT encrypts data in transit and at rest. OpenAI, however, does not frequently disclose the specific encryption protocols used, which introduces some uncertainty.
Compliance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
ChatGPT complies with the GDPR and CCPA, giving users in these regions control over their data. The platform also allows data access and deletion requests.
Transparency and Audits: ⭐⭐⭐
OpenAI publishes some transparency reports, but does not undergo regular third-party audits, which makes it harder to verify their claims independently.
Model Accuracy/Efficiency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
ChatGPT excels in both accuracy and efficiency, offering rich, context-aware responses that handle a variety of tasks with ease.

2. Perplexity AI – Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Synopsis: Perplexity AI is a solid option for users who prioritize privacy without sacrificing too much functionality. It’s lightweight, focuses on minimal data collection, and ensures compliance with privacy laws. However, it lacks some transparency and security rigor compared to larger platforms.
Pros:

• Minimal data collection | Limited third-party sharing | User control

Cons:

• Basic security | Less transparency | Smaller feature set

Data Collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perplexity AI limits its data collection to only what’s necessary for core functionality and service improvements, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users.
Data Usage: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The platform focuses on improving services and does not retain data for longer than required, lowering the risk of long-term exposure.
Data Sharing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Perplexity AI minimizes third-party data sharing, focusing on internal use for platform improvements. This reduces potential privacy risks.
User Control: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The platform provides basic options for deleting personal data, though it lacks the more comprehensive control tools seen in larger models like Google’s.
Security Standards: ⭐⭐⭐
Perplexity AI uses encryption for data in transit, though it lacks the transparency and specificity of larger platforms when it comes to its overall security posture.
Compliance: ⭐⭐⭐
The platform complies with the GDPR, though documentation on specific compliance protocols is less detailed.
Transparency and Audits: ⭐⭐⭐
Perplexity AI has yet to offer third-party audits or detailed transparency reports, which would help validate its security and privacy claims.
Model Accuracy/Efficiency: ⭐⭐⭐
While Perplexity performs well in handling straightforward queries, it lacks the depth and robustness of larger platforms like ChatGPT or Google’s models.

3. Duck.ai – Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Synopsis: Duck.ai is a privacy-first platform with minimal data collection and zero third-party sharing. However, its limited transparency, lack of audits, and basic security measures introduce some risks, lowering the overall score despite its privacy focus.

Pros:

• Minimal data retention | No third-party sharing | Highly privacy-centric

Cons:

• Limited features | Basic security | No transparency about audits

Data Collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Collects only session data, which is discarded after the interaction.
Data Usage: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Data is not used for model training or stored long-term.
Data Sharing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No sharing with third parties, making it a strong option for privacy-conscious users.
User Control: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
No long-term data storage means less need for complex data control options.
Security Standards: ⭐⭐⭐
Uses basic encryption for data in transit, but lacks transparency about encryption at rest or broader security practices.
Compliance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Claims GDPR compliance, but provides less documentation than larger platforms.
Transparency and Audits: ⭐⭐⭐
Lacks third-party audits and detailed transparency reports.
Model Accuracy/Efficiency: ⭐⭐⭐
Limited functionality compared to larger models but sufficient for privacy-focused tasks.

4. Bard (Google) – Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Synopsis: Bard provides powerful AI features backed by Google’s advanced infrastructure, but its extensive data collection and history of privacy issues dampen trust. Despite strong security measures, its low rating reflects Google’s legacy of abusing data access.

Pros:

• Robust functionality | Strong encryption | User control tools

Cons:

• Extensive data collection | History of privacy breaches | Data sharing risks

Data Collection: ⭐⭐⭐
Collects a wide range of user input, metadata, and device information.
Data Usage: ⭐⭐⭐
Used across Google’s ecosystem for personalization and service improvement.
Data Sharing: ⭐⭐⭐
Shared with third parties, raising concerns about cross-border data transfers.
User Control: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google’s privacy dashboard offers strong user control features.
Security Standards: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google uses industry-leading encryption for data in transit and at rest.
Compliance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fully compliant with global privacy laws such as the GDPR and CCPA.
Transparency and Audits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Regularly publishes transparency reports and undergoes independent audits, though historical privacy abuses undermine trust.
Model Accuracy/Efficiency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Extremely accurate and efficient, leveraging Google’s vast resources and advanced AI models.

5. Gemini (Google) – Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Synopsis: Like Bard, Gemini delivers advanced features and top-tier security, but suffers from Google’s past privacy issues. While Google’s compliance is strong, the extensive data collection and sharing practices lower the score.

Pros:

• Powerful AI | Strong encryption | User control options

Cons:

• Significant data collection | Google’s privacy history | Wide data sharing

Data Collection: ⭐⭐⭐
Similar to Bard, Gemini collects user inputs and device metadata.
Data Usage: ⭐⭐⭐
Used for model improvement and across Google services.
Data Sharing: ⭐⭐⭐
Data is shared with third parties, though protected by internal policies.
User Control: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Google offers robust control via its privacy dashboard.
Security Standards: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Encryption standards are top-notch, with data well-protected.
Compliance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Strong regulatory compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws.
Transparency and Audits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Regular audits and transparency reports are published, though privacy concerns linger due to Google’s legacy.
Model Accuracy/Efficiency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly accurate responses, benefiting from Google’s advanced AI infrastructure.

Conclusion

Balanced Option: ChatGPT (⭐⭐⭐⭐) provides the best middle ground between privacy and functionality. While it retains more data than privacy-focused platforms, it offers strong user control, compliance, and performance, making it ideal for users who need a blend of privacy and features.
Privacy-Centric Choice: Duck.ai (⭐⭐⭐⭐) remains the go-to for those who value privacy above all else, but its lack of transparency and limited features means it’s best suited for simple tasks and basic needs.
Solid Privacy-Performance Balance: Perplexity AI (⭐⭐⭐⭐) is a good option for users who want a balance between privacy and usability, though it lacks the robust security and transparency seen in larger platforms.
Feature-Rich but Privacy-Risky: Bard (⭐⭐⭐) and Gemini (⭐⭐⭐) offer cutting-edge AI capabilities, but their extensive data collection and Google’s privacy history make them less appealing to users who prioritize privacy over performance.

Each model has its trade-offs, so the best choice will depend on whether you prioritize privacy, functionality, or a balanced mix of both.