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Is Your Data Safe Really in the Age of AI?
A few days ago, Avir (name changed) decided to take a short break from his busy life and travel to a hill station. His plan was simple—disconnect from the online world, breathe fresh air, and experience life without constant notifications. He stayed away from social media, turned off internet browsing, and limited his phone use.
One day, he went to a small local shop in the market to buy some essentials. After returning to his hotel room, he suddenly received an SMS asking for feedback about his purchase. Avir was shocked. He hadn’t shared his number with anyone at the shop, nor did he use any online wallet or loyalty card. His immediate thought was: “Is my phone tracking me?”
This experience disturbed him deeply. In response, he deleted all his accounts, stopped using Google services, and uninstalled apps that collected location data. He thought this was enough to protect his privacy. But the real question is—is Avir’s data safe after doing all this?
The short and simple answer is: No.
Because today’s internet ecosystem doesn’t just track your location. It records your biometric data, purchasing history, search patterns, browsing behavior, reviews, and even small actions such as how long you stay on a webpage or which video you skip after five seconds. All of this contributes to what is known as your digital profile.
And if this digital profile is compromised, cleaning it up is not a matter of hours or days—it can take years, sometimes an entire lifetime.
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Digital Life vs Real Life: No More Boundaries
Just two decades ago, the internet was seen as a separate part of life—a place where you could log in and log out. But today, the line between real life and digital life has almost disappeared. From school assignments to professional presentations, from food delivery to medical appointments, everything happens online.
When you “like” a photo on Instagram, order a pizza, review a restaurant, or read news online, you are creating a digital footprint. This footprint is not passive—it becomes an active piece of data for AI systems that are hungry for information.
How AI Turns Your Data Into Power
Artificial Intelligence needs massive amounts of data to function effectively. Unlike traditional software, AI doesn’t just run on pre-coded instructions—it learns continuously from data.
That data comes from:
Browsing history (search terms, clicks, time spent)
Location data (where you live, where you travel, your daily route)
Biometric data (face scans, voice recognition, fingerprints)
Purchase history (shopping behavior, product preferences, spending limits)
The most dangerous part is that AI doesn’t just store this data—it interprets it, predicts future actions, and can even manipulate decisions.
For example:
If AI notices you order fast food twice a week, it will show you more fast-food ads at dinner time.
If it sees you reading about financial stress, it may push personal loan ads aggressively.
If you often visit travel blogs, AI can predict when you’re most likely to book a ticket.
This predictive capability makes AI powerful but also risky. Your private behavior becomes an asset for companies.
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A Real Example: Comet Browser by Perplexity AI
Consider the Comet browser, launched by Perplexity AI. It markets itself as a “smart browser” but comes with hidden risks. It constantly monitors your data to create a personal profile.
If you start typing a search query, it doesn’t just autocomplete—it predicts your entire sentence based on your past behavior. To you, this might feel like magic. But in reality, it’s a black box that’s feeding on your digital life.
This shows that even simple tasks like writing emails or searching the web are now influenced by AI systems that know more about your habits than you might realize.
Why You Can’t Escape by Deleting Cookies
Many people think that deleting cookies, turning off advertising IDs, or clearing history is enough to protect them. Unfortunately, that is no longer true.
AI builds long-term profiles that go far beyond browser cookies. Even if you log out, AI systems can still connect your activities using:
Device fingerprints (unique combinations of hardware & software settings)
IP addresses and Wi-Fi networks
Payment methods linked to your name
Location pings from mobile towers
Whether you are online or offline, AI continues to create receipts from your past data. Once the system has learned enough, deleting small traces does not erase the entire profile.
Why Laws Can’t Catch Up
One might think that strong data privacy laws could protect users. But the harsh truth is: technology always moves faster than regulation.
When governments draft and pass laws, AI companies have already developed the next generation of tracking tools. For example:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe was a milestone, but within a few years, AI-powered personalization outpaced many of its protections.
By the time regulators fully understand the impact of an AI browser or app, ten years might have already passed.
This time gap makes it nearly impossible for rules to safeguard users completely.
The Hidden Risks in AI Recruitment
AI isn’t just analyzing shopping or browsing—it’s shaping careers too. Many companies now use AI-powered recruitment tools. These systems scan applicants’ social media, digital footprints, and even patterns of online behavior.
Here’s the problem:
If your digital footprint is too small, AI might judge you as “inactive” or “unengaged,” lowering your chances of selection.
If your footprint shows controversial activity, such as aggressive comments or low ratings on platforms, that too could hurt your career.
Thus, your online history is not just personal—it’s professional currency.
The Dangerous Side of AI Data Usage
The scariest part is that AI can generate new content from your existing data. Imagine:
Fake voice recordings created from your voice samples.
AI-generated documents that appear to be written by you.
Deepfake videos that mimic your face.
In the wrong hands, this can be used for scams, identity theft, or even blackmail.
That’s why protecting data is no longer about privacy alone—it’s about security and survival in the digital era.
How to Manage Your Digital Footprint
While it’s impossible to erase your digital presence completely, you can minimize risks by following smart practices:
Delete accounts you don’t use – Old accounts are silent dangers. Hackers often target inactive accounts because users forget about them.
Use privacy tools while browsing – Tools like VPNs, secure browsers, and privacy-focused search engines reduce tracking.
Regularly clear history and cookies – This won’t erase AI’s long-term profile, but it limits new tracking.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) – Always use 2FA for better online security.
Check app permissions – Many apps request unnecessary permissions. Always review and restrict them.
Limit location sharing – Turn off GPS when not needed. Avoid always-on location tracking.
Be cautious with AI apps – Don’t overshare personal data with AI tools.
Separate work and personal accounts – Mixing everything increases your vulnerability.
Is the Data I Share with AI Tools Like ChatGPT Safe?
A common concern many users have is whether the conversations and data they share with AI assistants are truly private. The answer is: Yes, your data is generally safe, but with a few important points to keep in mind:
Conversations are private – The AI does not share your chats with anyone.
No hidden profiling – Unlike social media platforms, the AI does not track your identity, browsing history, or personal accounts.
No permanent memory unless you allow it – By default, chats are not remembered after the session unless you explicitly enable memory.
Avoid sharing sensitive details – Just like with any online platform, do not share passwords, bank details, or government IDs.
Used to improve AI models – Some anonymized and aggregated data may be used by AI companies to improve performance, but it is not tied back to your personal identity.
In short, while AI chat assistants are safer than social media apps that run on targeted advertising, the responsibility of privacy also lies with the user. Always be cautious about what you choose to share.
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The Harsh Reality
No matter how many precautions you take, you cannot completely erase yourself from AI systems. Data, once captured, is rarely deleted. Companies trade it, merge it, and store it in ways that remain invisible to ordinary users.
The real solution lies in digital awareness—knowing what risks exist, limiting exposure, and demanding stronger accountability from tech companies.
Final Thoughts
Avir’s story is not unique. Many of us have felt that sudden shock when our phones seem to “know too much.” The reality is, AI and digital tracking are deeply woven into our everyday lives.
Even if you disconnect from the internet for a week, your digital footprint remains alive in databases across the world. From browsing history to pizza orders, everything becomes part of your profile.
The good news is, by managing your footprint smartly—deleting old accounts, limiting permissions, and using privacy tools—you can reduce risks. The bad news is, total digital invisibility is no longer possible.
In today’s hyper-connected world, your data is your shadow. It walks with you everywhere, whether you see it or not. The only choice we have is to protect it as much as possible and stay aware of how it’s being used.
Disclaimer : Some reference points for this article were inspired by reports published in the Dainik Jagran Hindi daily newspaper. The analysis, interpretation, and writing we have adapted and rewritten the content for clarity, SEO optimization, and reader experience. All trademarks and images belong to their respective owners. By TechMitra.