The Audit Question

For any tool you use regularly, ask: does it include AI features? If yes, which provider powers those features? What data is sent to that provider? Where is this documented?

Many applications have added AI features as updates — silently, without prominently notifying users about the data implications. Proactively checking the settings and privacy documentation of regularly-used tools is the right response.

Start with the tools you use most frequently and the tools that handle your most sensitive information. Look in settings menus for "AI features," "intelligent," "powered by," "assistant," or similar language. If you find an AI feature, trace back: whose AI is it? What data does it process? What are the terms? Is it something you want enabled?

This audit is time-consuming but necessary. It often reveals features that were enabled automatically, data sharing that was assumed but never explicitly chosen, integrations with third parties that you'd prefer not to enable.