Can I enter my own personal information into AI?

You can, but be aware that it may be stored and processed. For work purposes, even your own personal data should be treated carefully as it could create liability for your employer.

What if I need AI to analyze a document with sensitive data?

Create a sanitized copy with sensitive details removed or replaced with generic placeholders. Alternatively, use enterprise AI tools with strong data protection agreements for document analysis.

Is salary information too sensitive for AI?

Individual salary data linked to employee names should not go into AI tools. Anonymized salary ranges or aggregate compensation data is generally acceptable for analysis purposes.

Quick answer

Never enter these into AI tools: passwords and access credentials, social security or government ID numbers, credit card or bank account numbers, medical records, client-identifying legal details, trade secrets, and any data you are contractually obligated to protect. When in doubt, leave it out.

Updated June 2026 · MmowW AI Compliance

What Data Should Never Go Into AI Tools? The Complete List

The Golden Rule: When in Doubt, Leave It Out

Before entering anything into an AI tool, ask yourself: would I be comfortable if this information appeared in a newspaper? If the answer is no, do not enter it. This simple test catches most sensitive data before it becomes a problem.

Even on enterprise AI plans with strong data protections, minimizing the sensitive data you share is good practice. No security system is perfect, and data that was never shared cannot be leaked.

Data That Should Never Enter Any AI Tool

Regardless of which AI tool you use or what plan you have, never enter passwords, API keys, or access tokens. Never enter social security numbers, tax identification numbers, or government ID numbers. Never enter credit card numbers, bank account details, or financial credentials. Never enter complete medical records or health information tied to individuals. Never enter attorney-client privileged communications with identifying details.

These categories represent the highest-risk data types. Exposure of any of them could trigger immediate legal obligations, financial liability, and serious harm to individuals.

Data That Needs Extra Caution

Some data types are not absolutely prohibited but require careful handling: employee names and performance data, client names and project details, internal financial data and pricing, business strategies and pending deals, vendor contracts and terms, and internal communications about sensitive topics. For these categories, consider whether you can accomplish your goal without including specific details. Often you can describe a situation in general terms and get equally useful AI assistance.

Safe Alternatives

Instead of entering real data, use anonymized versions. Replace names with generic labels like Client A or Employee 1. Replace specific numbers with rounded figures or ranges. Describe situations generically rather than with specific details. Create sanitized versions of documents before uploading them. These practices let you benefit from AI while keeping sensitive information safe.

Taking Action Today

The most important step you can take right now is to review how your team currently handles data when using AI tools. Talk to each department about what tools they use and what information they enter. You will almost certainly discover AI usage you did not know about, and that discovery is the first step toward managing your risk effectively.

Remember that AI risk management is not about eliminating all risk. That would mean not using AI at all, which puts your business at a competitive disadvantage. Instead, it is about understanding your risks, making informed decisions about which ones are acceptable, and putting practical safeguards in place for the ones that are not. Start with the highest-impact, easiest-to-implement safeguards and build from there.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulatory requirements change frequently — verify current rules with official sources. Built by Sawai Gyoseishoshi Office, Hiroshima, Japan.