Only what you allow. AI has no default access to your data—you explicitly choose what to connect. The real question is: what data should you let AI access?
The Default: Zero Access
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- AI cannot see your files, emails, or databases
- AI cannot access your computer or network
- AI cannot browse your internal systems
- AI only knows what you type or upload
Access requires your explicit action: connecting an integration, uploading files, or pasting content.
Data Access Levels by AI Type
| AI Type | Data Access | Your Control |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT/Claude (free) | What you type/upload | Don't type sensitive info |
| ChatGPT/Claude (business) | What you provide | Data not used for training |
| AI agents (custom) | Connected systems only | Scoped permissions |
| AI browser extensions | Page content | Disable on sensitive sites |
| Self-hosted AI | Your infrastructure | Full control |
What Happens to Data You Provide
When you give AI access to data:
- Processed in memory: AI reads and responds
- May be logged: Provider stores conversation history
- May train models: Some providers use data for training (check terms)
- May be deleted: Enterprise plans often allow data deletion
Key question: Does your AI provider train on your data?
| Provider | Free/Consumer | Business/Enterprise |
|---|---|---|
| OpenAI (ChatGPT) | May train on data | Does NOT train on data |
| Anthropic (Claude) | May train on data | Does NOT train on data |
| Google (Gemini) | May train on data | Does NOT train on data |
| Microsoft (Copilot) | Varies | Does NOT train on data |
Scoped Permissions: The Right Way
When connecting AI to business systems:
- Principle of least privilege: AI gets minimum access needed
- Read-only where possible: Can view, not modify
- Specific resources: Only designated folders/lists/databases
- Time-limited: Access expires after defined period
- Audited: All access logged and reviewable
Data You Should Never Let AI Access
- Passwords and credentials: Use password managers instead
- Encryption keys: Never share with AI
- Government IDs: SSN, passport numbers, driver's licenses
- Medical records: HIPAA-protected information
- Payment card data: PCI compliance risk
- Trade secrets: Core competitive advantages
- Unpublished financials: If material to investors/SEC
Data That's Usually Safe
- Public information: Already available
- Internal procedures: Process documentation
- Customer FAQs: Non-sensitive customer questions
- Marketing materials: Brochures, web content
- Anonymized data: With PII removed
- Product information: Specs, features, pricing
How Greene Solutions Handles Confidential Data
- Enterprise AI platforms: We use business/enterprise versions that don't train on client data
- Scoped access: AI only connects to systems client specifically authorizes
- Data masking: Sensitive fields hidden from AI
- Retention controls: Client controls how long data is stored
- Audit trails: All AI data access logged
- NDAs: We sign confidentiality agreements
Questions to Ask Your AI Provider
- Do you train on my data?
- Where is my data stored?
- How long do you retain my data?
- Can I delete my data?
- Who at your company can see my data?
- What security certifications do you have?
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