Google, maker of AI chatbot Bard, warns its employees about using chatbots

Don't share confidential information with any AI chatbot.
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Google Bard
Google has warned its employees against sharing sensitive information with any AI chatbot, including its own. Credit: Nikos Pekiaridis/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Here's a piece of good, universal advice: Don't share confidential information with an AI chatbot.

If you don't believe me, then take it from Google, one of the biggest proponents of AI and the creator of its own AI chatbot, Bard.

According to a new report from Reuters, Google's parent company Alphabet has warned employees about using AI chatbots, including Bard. Google employees were specifically advised against submitting any confidential information to Bard or any other AI chatbot. 


You May Also Like

Users of ChatGPT, Bard, or other AI chatbots may not realize that the conversations they have with their newfound AI buddy don't just stay in the chat. AI companies store the content of these chats. These companies have human workers who can access and review the messages sent between users and its AI chatbot.

In addition, researchers have found that AI language models often train on the data submitted to them. The purpose of this is for the AI chatbot to "learn" how to better serve the user, but this can also result in AI chatbots sharing the information submitted by one users in its conversations with other users. OpenAI, the creator of the popular ChatGPT, also tells users on its website that it " may use the data you provide us to improve our models."

Google's not only advising its own employees about potential privacy issues when using AI chatbots, but it's warning its users too – albeit the notice isn't so easy to find.

The company updated its Bard privacy notice page on its Google Support website earlier this month to include the following information, entirely in bold: "Please do not include information that can be used to identify you or others in your Bard conversations."

The best online AI course deals



Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
AI chatbots like ChatGPT are using info from Elon Musk's Grokipedia, report reveals
Grokipedia logo on mobile device

Google hit with shocking wrongful death lawsuit over Gemini AI chatbot
Google Gemini logo

Apple CarPlay is adding support for ChatGPT and other AI chatbots
Apple CarPlay logo on phone screen in front of Tesla touch display

Should you be using AI for recipes? We asked 3 chefs for their thoughts.
pop art illustration of person checking AI recipe on tablet

Gemini will let you import ChatGPT, other chatbot conversations
A phone screen shows the blue Gemini logo.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.


You can track Artemis II in real time as Orion flies to the moon
Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman piloting the Orion spacecraft
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!