PII, or Personally Identifiable Information, refers to any data that can be used to identify a specific individual, either directly or indirectly. This can include a wide range of information, from obvious identifiers like name and Social Security number to more subtle details that, when combined, could lead to identification. This could be your full name, maiden name, driver’s license number, passport number, financial account numbers and/or passwords, biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition), phone numbers, email addresses, health information, location information, employment history, educational records, and more.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and PII (Personally Identifiable Information) are closely intertwined, presenting both opportunities and challenges. AI models often process PII to provide personalized services, recommendations, and automated assistance. Whether it’s for shopping or web searches, AI has many benefits. Still, this reliance on PII means that it’s important to understand the privacy concerns and AI’s inherent risk of data breaches.
AI systems may collect PII from various sources, such as user input, third-party data, and online activity. If PII is not properly protected, it can be used for identity theft, fraud, spam, extortion, cyberbullying, or cyberstalking. It’s important that this information is managed appropriately during all stages: when it’s created, when it’s accessed, when it is shared with other parties, and when it’s no longer needed. That’s why laws and regulations require businesses to clearly state what types of information they collect and how they use it.
So, what can you do to help protect your PII?
First, review the annual privacy policies from the companies with whom you do business. A privacy policy is a document contained on a website that explains how a website or organization will collect, store, protect, and utilize personal information provided by its users. In addition to outlining how the company will use the information, it also includes how it will meet its legal obligations, and how those sharing their data can seek recourse should the company fail to meet those responsibilities.
Next, utilize the settings on your device to choose what information specific companies can see and use. Some of these options include allowing access to your browsing data, to your microphone, to your camera, and even what cookies they may store on your devices or computer. Cookies are small pieces of data used to remember information about your browsing session, like login details or preferences. They can be used for session management, personalization, and tracking user behavior. While they can enhance the user experience, they can also raise privacy concerns, so choose your options carefully.
First and foremost, remember that everything you do online creates a digital footprint, so set your expectations and privacy settings accordingly.
Would you like to enter to win a $300 Amazon Gift Card? Just answer the following questions correctly for your entry:
Contest Rules: No purchase necessary. Void were prohibited. One entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Employees and family members of PenTeleData and their affiliates are ineligible. This contest is open to legal residents in PenTeleData territories only. One winner will be selected at random and will be announced after the selection on or about July 31, 2025. Odds of winning will depend on number of entries. Winners must grant permission for PenTeleData to use his/her name, statements and image in future promotions, without compensation. All PenTeleData decisions and prize awards are final. Prizes may not be substituted and are not refundable, transferable, or redeemable for cash.