What Americans Really Think About Sharing Their Data With AI (and What You Should Know)

What Americans Really Think About Sharing Their Data With AI (and What You Should Know)

If you’ve used a chatbot, an AI writing assistant, or a photo-editing tool lately, you’ve probably been asked to share some personal data. Maybe the app wanted access to your location, your contacts, or simply the content you typed. And maybe you paused before clicking “allow.”

That hesitation is widespread. Recent surveys from Pew Research Center and reporting by outlets like Digital Information World show that a majority of Americans are uneasy about how AI systems collect and use their information. At the same time, the technology is becoming harder to avoid. So what do people actually think, and what can you do to keep your data under your control?

What Happened

In the past two years, several large-scale surveys have tried to measure public sentiment toward AI and data sharing.

A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that roughly six in ten Americans said they do not trust companies to handle their data responsibly when it comes to AI. A follow-up survey in early 2025 showed little change: most respondents remained skeptical, with many saying they feel they have little or no control over what AI tools collect about them.

A separate article published by Digital Information World in June 2026 summarized findings from a survey of over 4,000 U.S. adults. It reported that only about one in eight Americans feel comfortable sharing personal data with AI products, even if those products promise better features or personalization. Most people said they would only agree to data collection under strict conditions—for example, if the data was anonymized, used only for the specific task at hand, and deleted after a set time.

The common thread in all these results: trust is low, and users are demanding more transparency.

Why It Matters

This skepticism isn’t just academic. AI tools are being woven into daily life—search engines, email apps, customer service chats, even smart fridges. Many of these services rely on user data to function, but the ways they collect, store, and share that data are often opaque.

Key concerns among survey respondents include:

• Data misuse – People worry that companies will use their personal information for purposes they didn’t agree to, such as training models or selling to third parties.
• Lack of transparency – It’s rarely clear what data an AI tool collects, how long it keeps it, or who has access.
• Security breaches – High-profile data leaks have made consumers more alert to the risks of storing sensitive information with any online service.

These concerns are not unfounded. Several state-level privacy laws, like California’s CPRA and Colorado’s CPA, now grant consumers rights to access, delete, and opt out of the sale of their data. But enforcement is uneven, and many AI companies operate across state lines without clear rules.

What Readers Can Do

You don’t have to stop using AI tools, but a few habits can help you stay in control of your personal data.

1. Adjust privacy settings before you start. Most AI apps let you limit data collection. Look for options that prevent your chats or uploads from being used for training. Turn off location tracking and microphone access unless the app clearly needs them.

2. Opt out where possible. Many services honor opt-out requests for data sharing. Check the privacy policy for instructions, or use the “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” link that is now common on U.S.-based sites.

3. Choose privacy-focused tools. Some AI companies advertise that they process data locally on your device or use end-to-end encryption. Others don’t store your conversations at all. Before signing up, search for independent privacy reviews of the tool you plan to use.

4. Use a disposable email or sign-up method. For one-off experiments, consider a temporary email service or a privacy-forward sign-in like “Sign in with Apple” that lets you share only what’s needed.

5. Delete your data regularly. Most AI platforms allow you to export and then delete your conversation history. Doing this every few months reduces your exposure if the company suffers a breach.

Sources

• Pew Research Center. (2023). Key findings about Americans and data privacy. Retrieved from pewresearch.org
• Pew Research Center. (2025). Many Americans pessimistic about AI’s impact – and want more regulation. Digital Information World.
• Digital Information World. (2026). How Americans Feel About Sharing Their Data With AI.
• Digital Information World. (2026). Many Americans Pessimistic about AI’s Impact – and Want More Regulation.