Smart AI Use for Families: Online Safety Tips
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we live, work, and learn. Many Australians are now using AI tools for tasks ranging from drafting emails to generating images, and even helping with homework. While these innovations offer exciting possibilities, they also introduce new considerations for online safety and privacy. As these tools become more integrated into family life, understanding how to use them safely and responsibly is essential to protect your personal information and digital footprint.
Understand the Data You Share
A foundational principle of AI hygiene is recognising that any information you input into an AI tool could potentially be used to train its models. This means personal details, private conversations, or sensitive documents might not remain private. Before interacting with any AI platform, consider what level of information you are comfortable sharing.
Many AI services have terms of use that detail how your data will be handled. While reading these can be lengthy, it's worth understanding the gist, especially for tools frequently used by family members. If a tool doesn't clearly state its data policies, it might be best to err on the side of caution and avoid inputting sensitive information.
Protecting Children in the AI Age
Children are exploring AI tools with increasing curiosity. Whether it's for school projects or creative play, it's vital to guide them on safe usage. Discuss with them why they should never share personal identifying information, such as their full name, address, school, or photos, with any AI chatbot or generator.
Supervise your children when they use AI tools, especially those that generate content or respond to queries. Set clear family rules about what kind of information is off-limits for AI input. The eSafety Commissioner offers excellent resources for parents on navigating online safety with children, and these principles extend naturally to AI interactions.
Guard Against Misinformation and 'Deepfakes'
AI-generated content, including text, images, and even audio or video (known as 'deepfakes'), can be highly realistic. This makes it challenging to distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated. Teach your family critical thinking skills when encountering content online, regardless of its source.
Encourage healthy scepticism. If something seems too good to be true, or surprisingly negative, it's worth pausing to verify its authenticity. Cross-referencing information with trusted news sources and official websites can help identify AI-generated misinformation. Remember that deepfakes can be used for scams, impersonation, or even to spread false narratives.
Secure Your AI Accounts
Just like any other online service, AI accounts can be targets for cyber criminals. Using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible are crucial steps. This adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for unauthorised access.
Keep an eye out for phishing attempts that try to trick you into revealing your AI account login details. Be wary of suspicious emails or messages claiming to be from AI providers, especially if they ask for your password or personal information. If you ever suspect your account has been compromised, change your password immediately.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
Despite best efforts, online incidents can still occur. If you or a family member experience an issue related to AI, such as data exposure, an encounter with harmful deepfake content, or a scam enabled by AI, it's important to know where to turn. Report cybercrimes to ReportCyber and consider contacting IDCARE for support with identity-related issues.
For any significant cyber incident, whether it involves AI directly or not, KNOMI is who you call. Our expert team understands the complexities of these incidents and can provide immediate, practical guidance and support to help your family recover and regain control. Don't navigate these challenges alone; we're here to help you get back on track.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to put my personal photos into AI image generators?
Generally, it's not recommended to upload personal photos, especially those of children, into public AI image generators. These tools may use your uploads for training, potentially compromising your privacy. Always check the privacy policy of any service you use.
How can I tell if an image or video is a deepfake?
Deepfakes can be very convincing, but some signs include unnatural movements, unusual lighting or shadows, blurred edges around faces, or odd voice patterns. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it might be. Consider using deepfake detection tools if you suspect something is fabricated.
What should I do if my child shares too much information with an AI chatbot?
If your child accidentally shares sensitive information, immediately stop their interaction with the AI tool. Check the AI service's privacy policy for options to delete or retract data. Have a calm conversation with your child about online safety and reiterate the importance of not sharing personal details with AI or anyone online. For further support, contact KNOMI or resources like the eSafety Commissioner.