How to Protect Your Privacy While Using AI: Insights from Proton’s CEO

Using AI tools has become as routine as checking email. But every query you type into a chatbot or image you upload to a generator leaves a digital trail. That tension between convenience and privacy is growing, and Proton’s CEO recently spoke about what keeps him up at night—and what users can do about it.

What happened

In a recent interview with Spiceworks, Proton’s CEO discussed the core privacy problem with today’s AI tools. His main concern is not the technology itself, but the lack of user control over data used to train models. Many popular AI services collect inputs, store them, and may incorporate them into future model training without explicit, informed consent. The CEO noted that while privacy in the AI era is possible, it will require both better tools and more deliberate choices from users.

Proton, known for its encrypted email and VPN services, is working on privacy-first AI alternatives. The company is exploring approaches such as on-device processing, end-to-end encryption, and zero-access architectures—meaning even Proton cannot see your data. These steps aim to keep AI useful without forcing users to trade their privacy.

Why it matters

AI tools are embedded in everything from writing assistants to photo editors. When you paste a draft into a chatbot or upload a photo for editing, you may be handing over sensitive material. Some services log everything you type and use it to improve their models. The CEO’s worry is that most users do not realize the extent of this data collection, and once data is used for training, it is nearly impossible to remove.

This matters because the AI market is still young, and privacy standards vary wildly. Without clear regulations, the responsibility often falls on individuals to protect themselves. The CEO argued that the biggest threat is not a single data breach, but the slow erosion of user control as AI becomes more integrated into daily life.

What readers can do

You do not have to stop using AI to protect your privacy. Here are concrete steps you can take today:

Choose services that are transparent about data use. Before using an AI tool, check its privacy policy. Look for services that state clearly whether they store your inputs or use them for training. Some providers allow you to opt out; exercise that option.
Use anonymized accounts when possible. If a service does not require real identification, use a burner email or a pseudonym. This limits the link between your AI activity and your identity.
Disable data sharing settings. Many AI apps have toggles for “improve the model” or “share usage data.” Turn them off. It is usually in the settings menu under privacy or data.
Prefer on-device AI where available. Some tools (like certain writing assistants or photo editors) can run locally on your device. That means your data never leaves your machine. This is not always possible, but it is the strongest privacy guarantee.
Consider using services built with privacy in mind. Proton is developing AI features that respect the same encryption principles as their other products. Other providers like Brave (browser with AI assistant) also emphasize local processing. Do your research before committing to a tool.
Treat AI conversations like public chats. As a rule of thumb, do not paste anything into a chatbot you would not want published. If you must share sensitive information, look for a service with a zero-access architecture or end-to-end encryption.

The CEO’s point is that privacy is not about avoiding AI, but about making informed choices. By understanding where your data goes and selecting tools that give you control, you can enjoy the benefits of AI without giving away your personal information.

Sources

The insights in this article are drawn from a Spiceworks interview with Proton’s CEO, as reported on June 4, 2026. Additional context on Proton’s privacy approach is available from the company’s official blog and product documentation.