California (Web Desk): Consumers are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence to address health concerns, entertainment needs and personal issues. However, this trend has also raised concerns about the exposure of private information and growing cybersecurity risks.
According to a recent survey by cybersecurity company Kaspersky, approximately 79 percent of people use various artificial intelligence services. The growing trend of seeking AI advice on personal matters has also raised concerns about privacy and data protection.
The survey, conducted across the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa, found that artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of people's daily lives. Consumers are using various services, including smart chatbots and tools for generating images and videos.
According to the survey, 74 percent of people use AI to search for information and obtain summaries, while 50 percent use it to create written content. Meanwhile, 42 percent use AI to generate images through text prompts, and 41 percent rely on it to edit or modify their personal photographs. Similarly, 32 percent use these services to create videos.
Reliance on AI for everyday needs and practical advice is also increasing. The survey found that 37 percent of respondents use artificial intelligence to obtain answers to health-related questions. In addition, 29 percent seek AI assistance in planning holidays, weekends and events, while 23 percent use it to prepare meal menus and dietary plans. Furthermore, 41 percent said they had also used artificial intelligence to seek advice on personal problems.
Kaspersky experts have warned that users often share private information while interacting with AI, creating the risk that such information could be exposed, passed on to third parties or fall into the hands of cybercriminals. Such information could subsequently be misused.
The survey also revealed that approximately one in every 10 people had encountered incorrect information provided by artificial intelligence, while 24 percent believed that AI could also produce inaccurate answers.
Saifullah Jidi, Head of Consumer Business for the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Kaspersky, said people should be aware of the limitations of artificial intelligence services and the potential risks associated with them. Even widely used platforms may have vulnerabilities that could lead to the exposure of users' data.
He said that information shared with these platforms could be used in accordance with the policies of the respective services or passed on to third parties. Therefore, users should adopt safe digital habits, verify information, exercise caution when sharing personal data and critically evaluate AI-generated responses.
Experts have advised users to avoid providing sensitive, confidential and private information while using artificial intelligence and to remain alert to scams carried out in the name of fake AI services. According to them, fraudsters often attempt to deceive users through fake webpages, malicious software and counterfeit tools designed to imitate legitimate platforms.
According to Kaspersky, its comprehensive security solutions, including its premium offerings, use artificial intelligence-based technology to help protect users during their everyday digital activities.