AI is quickly becoming part of our daily lives. From search engines and apps to smartphones and browsers, artificial intelligence is everywhere. But while these tools can help you save time and work smarter, many come at a cost — your personal data.
As AI gets more powerful, it’s also demanding more access to your private information than ever before. And that should raise concerns.
privacy risks of AI apps Are Asking for Too Much
Modern AI tools often ask for broad permissions that seem unnecessary. They claim to need this access to function well — but in reality, it’s often a way to collect and monetize your data.
Remember the old flashlight or calculator apps? They looked simple, but often requested access to your:
- Contacts
- Photos
- Real-time location
These permissions had nothing to do with their function. The goal was usually to sell your data. Now, AI apps are following the same playbook — just with smarter branding.
Case in Point: Perplexity’s AI Browser
Take Comet, a new AI-powered web browser by Perplexity. It promises to help users:
- Search the web with AI assistance
- Summarize emails and calendar events
- Automate daily online tasks
Sounds great, right? But there’s a catch.
During testing, TechCrunch discovered that Comet asks for full access to your Google Account, including:
- Managing and sending your emails
- Viewing and editing your calendars
- Downloading your contacts
- Accessing your entire company directory
That’s a lot of access for an app that’s supposed to just help you browse.
Perplexity claims the data is stored locally on your device, but you’re still granting them permission to collect and use it — including to train their AI for others.
This Isn’t Just About One privacy risks of AI apps
Comet isn’t alone. A growing number of AI tools promise to save you time, but only if you hand over sensitive, private information.
Examples include:
- Meeting transcription tools that want access to live audio, calendars, and contacts
- AI agents that request permission to open browsers, access saved passwords, and use credit cards
- Photo apps that scan your camera roll — including photos you haven’t even uploaded yet
Even big players like Meta are testing how far they can push these boundaries.
“It’s Like Putting Your Brain in a Jar”
That’s how Signal President Meredith Whittaker described today’s AI assistants. They claim to handle tasks like:
- Booking restaurants
- Reserving tickets
- Managing your schedule
But to do that, they need access to almost everything: your browser, bookmarks, passwords, calendar, credit card, and contacts.
When you say yes, you’re not just sharing data. You’re often giving AI autonomous control to act on your behalf. That’s a huge level of trust, especially when AI systems still make errors or “hallucinate” facts.
Privacy and Security Risks Are Real
When you let an privacy risks of AI apps into your personal data, you’re giving it a complete snapshot of your life — sometimes dating back years.
That can include:
- Emails and messages
- Calendar entries
- Photos and files
- Contacts and company data
And you can’t always take it back. Once shared, it’s nearly impossible to undo.
Worse, many companies allow their staff to review private user prompts when something goes wrong. So, your sensitive queries might not stay private.
Ask Yourself: Is It Worth It?
Before granting access, do a simple cost-benefit analysis:
- What will this app really do for me?
- Why does it need this level of access?
- Is my data being stored, and if so, where and how?
- Could I do this task myself with a little more effort and less risk?
If an app’s permission requests make you uncomfortable, listen to that feeling. You wouldn’t trust a flashlight app that wants your GPS data. Why trust an AI assistant with your inbox, calendar, and credit card?
Key Takeaways
- AI tools are everywhere — and many want deep access to your personal information.
- Some apps ask for permissions that go far beyond what’s needed to function properly.
- You may unknowingly give AI access to emails, messages, calendars, and contacts.
- AI companies can use your data to train their models, and even allow humans to review it.
- Security and privacy risks are high, especially when AI acts on your behalf.
- Before giving permissions, ask: Is what I’m getting worth what I’m giving up?
Final Thought
privacy risks of AI apps can be helpful. But it shouldn’t come at the cost of your privacy, security, or control over your personal information.
Stay informed. Stay cautious. And always read the fine print before you click “allow.”