You’ve probably heard of artificial intelligence (AI), maybe from your grandkids, on the news, or when using smart assistants like Alexa or Siri. But what you may not have heard enough about is AI and privacy. That part? It’s just as important as what AI can do for you.
Here’s the truth: AI is quietly becoming part of your everyday life, whether you realize it or not. From the GPS app that re-routes your drive, to online shopping recommendations, to that voice assistant reminding you about your pills, artificial intelligence is working behind the scenes.
But while it can be helpful, AI can also be curious. Sometimes a little too curious. AI and privacy are deeply connected, and that’s why it’s essential to understand how your data is collected, stored, and possibly shared.
This guide is written with you in mind. If you’re over 60 and looking to enjoy the benefits of smart technology without sacrificing your privacy, you’re in the right place.
AI and Privacy – What Does It Know About You?
Understanding How AI Collects Personal Information
Let’s break it down. Every time you ask an AI assistant a question, click on a product online, or scroll through social media, you’re leaving a digital footprint. AI systems use these footprints, tiny pieces of data—to learn about you. This includes:
- Your location
- Your age or interests (based on behavior)
- Your shopping habits
- Your voice patterns (if you use voice assistants)
- Even your mood, based on the words you type
It’s not necessarily bad. In fact, this is how AI becomes “smart.” It learns from your behavior to serve up more useful results.
But here’s where AI and privacy collide: Sometimes, this data is stored indefinitely, shared with other companies, or even seen by real humans behind the scenes.
What Seniors Should Know About Data Tracking
Seniors are often targets for scams, phishing emails, or misleading ads. That’s why understanding artificial intelligence and privacy isn’t just a tech issue, it’s a safety issue.
Many AI-powered platforms don’t just track what you do, they also analyze how you do it. This might include:
- How long you linger on a page
- What time of day you’re most active
- Your preferred news topics or hobbies
Over time, this builds a profile of you. And unless you take steps to control it, that profile can be sold, shared, or even hacked.
Key Takeaway: Be Informed, Not Afraid
Artificial intelligence doesn’t need to be scary. It just needs to be used wisely. Knowing what AI tracks is your first defense in protecting your privacy.
Who Might Be Watching (Why AI and Privacy Matters)
The Role of Tech Companies in Your Personal Data
When people talk about AI and privacy, they’re often really talking about the tech companies behind the AI. These aren’t just harmless machines collecting data, they’re run by businesses, and businesses are in the business of making money.
Some of the biggest names include:
Each of these companies uses AI-driven tools to collect information that helps them target ads, improve their services, and build smarter products. But while that may sound harmless, there’s a catch:
They don’t always tell you exactly what they’re collecting.
If you’ve ever skipped over a “terms and conditions” page, you’re not alone. But buried in those walls of text are often permissions that allow companies to:
- Track your location
- Save your search and shopping history
- Record your voice commands
- Monitor which websites you visit
Is This Surveillance or Just Smart Tech?
Here’s where the line gets blurry. Some seniors describe it as helpful, after all, it’s convenient when your smart speaker remembers your favorite song or your grocery app suggests your usual items.
But others see it differently: constant monitoring, even if it’s “just to help.” This concern is at the heart of most AI and privacy debates.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: In some cases, companies are watching. Not with eyes, but with algorithms that collect, sort, and analyze everything you do online. They may say it’s anonymous, but when enough of your data is bundled together, it becomes very personal.
Why It Matters for Seniors
You’ve lived through more technological changes than any generation before you. That’s why it’s crucial to stay informed. Here’s why it matters:
- Scams and fraud often target older adults using AI-generated messages or phishing emails that look real.
- Medical data from smartwatches or apps could be shared without your full understanding.
- Your preferences and habits are being sold to advertisers who may not always have your best interest at heart.
Pro Tip: Check who has access to your information
Regularly review your privacy settings, especially on your phone, voice assistants, and health apps. Limit which apps can use your microphone, camera, or location. The fewer doors left open, the safer your data will be.
The Most Common Tools for Invading Your AI and Privacy
Your Smartphone: The Ultimate Spy in Your Pocket
Let’s start with the obvious: your phone knows a lot about you.
Between voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, location tracking, and app permissions, your smartphone might be the biggest player in the AI and privacy game. It can track:
- Where you go
- Who you call or text
- What you search
- How often you move (via step counters)
- When you’re awake or asleep
And here’s the kicker: most of this is done automatically, in the background, without your full awareness.
Example: That weather app you downloaded? It might be selling your location data to advertisers or even insurance companies. Not kidding.
Smart Speakers and Voice Assistants
“Alexa, what’s the weather today?” Seems harmless enough. But devices like Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod are always listening for their wake word—and sometimes, they listen a little too well.
Recent reports show that voice assistants have:
- Recorded conversations without permission
- Saved voice clips in the cloud
- Shared data with third-party developers
That raises big AI privacy concerns. It’s not that Alexa is nosy. It’s that the company behind Alexa uses your voice data to “improve” services, which can mean training more AI or feeding it into ad algorithms.
Social Media Apps
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), these platforms are masters at AI-driven data collection. Every like, comment, or scroll teaches their algorithms something about you.
For seniors, that’s risky. Oversharing personal information, engaging with misleading ads, or clicking fake giveaways could expose you to scams or lead to data leaks.
Example: You like a few photos of cozy slippers. Suddenly, you’re flooded with ads for orthopedic shoes… from companies you’ve never heard of. That’s AI targeting in action.
Fitness Trackers and Health Apps
Now, we love a good Fitbit or Apple Watch, especially when it helps with sleep or step goals. But those devices collect deeply personal data, heart rate, sleep cycles, even oxygen levels.
And most people don’t read the fine print.
Did you know? Many health apps share your data with third parties. That could include advertisers, insurance companies, or data brokers.
Banking and Shopping Apps
Yes, these services use AI to protect you, like detecting fraud, but they also collect your spending habits, product preferences, and browsing patterns. That information can be sold or used to build detailed consumer profiles.
Pro Tip: If an app doesn’t need it, don’t give it. Only enable permissions that make sense for what you actually use the app for. If your flashlight app is asking for access to your contacts, it’s time to hit delete.
How to Take Control of AI and Privacy (Without Becoming a Hermit)
Let’s be honest. You shouldn’t need a PhD in cybersecurity just to enjoy your phone. The good news? You can still use modern tech without sacrificing your privacy, and no, you don’t need to throw your Alexa in the lake.
Here’s how to stay safe without becoming paranoid.
Adjust Your Privacy Settings (Right Now)
Most apps and devices have privacy settings, you just have to use them.
Start here:
- Smartphones: Head into your settings and disable location tracking for apps that don’t need it.
- Voice assistants: You can review and delete voice recordings from Alexa, Google, or Siri.
- Social media: Limit who can see your posts and turn off ad personalization.
Pro tip: If you don’t recognize the name of an app asking for access to your microphone, say no. Every time.
Say No to Oversharing
Oversharing online is like leaving your front door wide open. Be careful with what you post.
Avoid:
- Birth dates (easy target for scammers)
- Travel plans (hello, burglars)
- Medical info (not everyone needs to know about your blood pressure)
Remember: Just because a platform asks for info doesn’t mean you have to give it.
Use Tech with a Privacy-First Mindset
When buying a new device or app, ask:
- Does this really need access to my voice, location, or contacts?
- Does the company have a good privacy policy?
- Are there alternatives that don’t collect as much data?
Example: Instead of using a “free” weather app that sells your location, go with one that charges a small fee but doesn’t track you.
Embrace Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
This is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to secure your accounts. 2FA adds a second step (like a code sent to your phone) when logging in.
Set it up for:
- Banking apps
- Social media
It’s a small annoyance that saves a world of pain later.
Install Trusted Security Software
Use antivirus and anti-malware tools on your computer or tablet, especially if you shop or bank online. Look for programs that also protect against phishing scams and malicious links.
Read the Fine Print (Yes, Seriously)
We get it, privacy policies are boring. But take five minutes to skim what data is collected and how it’s used.
Watch for red flags like:
- “We may share your data with partners…”
- “We store your data indefinitely…”
- “We use data to deliver personalized ads…”
If that makes you uncomfortable, skip the app.
Seniors, Scams, AI and Privacy — How to Avoid Getting Tricked
Here’s the bad news: scammers are getting smarter. Here’s the good news: so can you.
Artificial intelligence is being used by criminals to create more convincing scams, emails that sound like your family, robocalls that use your name, even fake videos that look real. But don’t worry. With the right know-how, you can spot AI scams before they fool you.
AI-Generated Scams to Watch Out For
These scams use artificial intelligence to sound more real, look more legit, and trick more people.
- Voice cloning scams: A caller sounds exactly like your grandson, saying he’s in trouble and needs money fast.
- AI phishing emails: These are no longer filled with typos. They look professional, use your name, and link to fake websites.
- Deepfake videos: Video clips that look like someone you trust, maybe a celebrity or politician—spreading misinformation.
Example: One senior received a voicemail from her “son” asking for bail money. It was AI mimicking his voice. She called her son directly and confirmed he was fine. Crisis avoided.
How to Outsmart the AI Scammers
You don’t need to out-tech a robot, you just need to follow a few smart habits.
1. Verify Before You Respond
If someone calls or emails asking for money, even if they sound familiar, hang up and call the person directly. Never send money or give out information on the spot.
2. Be Skeptical of Urgent Messages
Scammers love urgency. “Act now!” “Don’t tell anyone!” These are red flags. Take a deep breath and double-check everything.
3. Check Links and Email Addresses
Hover over links to see the real website. Watch out for email addresses that are off by one letter or have weird domains (like @mail.ru or @account-verification2025.com).
4. Never Share Personal Info by Phone or Email
Your bank, doctor, or the government will never ask for your full Social Security number or password over the phone.
5. Report It
If you think you’ve spotted a scam, report it to:
- The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)
- Your bank or credit card provider
- A trusted friend or family member
Pro tip: Create a “safe list” of phone numbers and email addresses from people you trust. If a message comes from outside the list, take extra caution.
AI and Privacy Tools Worth Trying — Apps and Devices That Put You Back in Control
Feeling a bit watched? You’re not alone. But here’s the upside: there are AI privacy tools for seniors that actually help you stay safe online without making you feel like you need a degree in computer science.
1. Privacy-Focused Web Browsers
Regular browsers track a lot of your activity. Privacy browsers limit that.
- Brave: Blocks trackers, ads, and creepy pop-ups.
- DuckDuckGo: Doesn’t collect your search history. Ever.
Pro tip: Set DuckDuckGo as your default search engine. You’ll never get targeted ads for that weird thing you Googled once at 2 a.m.
2. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)
Think of this like a privacy cloak. A VPN hides your location and browsing history from nosy internet service providers and advertisers.
Best options for beginners:
- TunnelBear (super easy to use)
- ProtonVPN (great free version, strong privacy policy)
3. Password Managers
No more sticky notes. A password manager stores all your logins in one safe place.
Top picks for seniors:
- 1Password: Simple, secure, and affordable.
- Bitwarden: A free option with strong encryption.
Bonus: Many have AI that alerts you if a site you use was recently hacked.
4. Smart Devices with Privacy Settings Built In
Some gadgets let you control what data is shared.
- Apple products (like iPhone and iPad): Known for better privacy controls.
- Amazon Echo: Has a mute button and privacy dashboard for voice recordings.
Pro tip: Dive into your device’s settings and look for a section called “Privacy” or “Security.” You’ll find options to turn off tracking, delete voice recordings, or restrict app access.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know About AI and Privacy
So, what’s the real story here?
AI isn’t the enemy, but you do need to keep your eyes open. It’s already in your smart speaker, your bank alerts, your email spam folder. And in many ways, it’s making life easier. But that doesn’t mean you should hand over your digital house keys.
Here’s what this means:
- Know how AI works.
- Understand what data you’re giving away.
- Use simple tools to lock things down.
You don’t need to become paranoid or ditch technology altogether. You just need to stay curious, stay cautious, and stay in control.
Want more guides like this one? Check out the rest of our blogs. We break down tech in plain English, for real people, not robots.
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