Kaspersky Urges Safer AI Habits as Users Turn to Artificial Intelligence for Personal Advice
Survey finds 79% of META respondents use AI services, raising concerns about privacy, data security and inaccurate information
AI Safety Kaspersky highlights privacy and cybersecurity risks as AI use grows across the META region.
Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life across the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa (META) region. However, growing use of AI for personal matters has raised fresh concerns about privacy and cybersecurity, according to a recent Kaspersky survey.
The survey found that nearly 79% of respondents use AI services, including chatbots and image and video generation tools. Most respondents use AI to search for and summarise information, with 74% reporting this activity.
Writing texts ranked second at 50%. Meanwhile, 42% use AI to generate images from text prompts, while 41% edit or transform personal photographs. Another 32% use AI tools to create videos.
AI Becomes a Tool for Personal Decisions
The survey also highlights how users increasingly rely on AI for everyday personal needs.
Around 37% of respondents use AI to ask health-related questions. In addition, 29% turn to these services to plan leisure activities, including weekends, holidays and parties. Another 23% use AI to prepare meal plans.
Furthermore, 41% seek advice from AI services about other personal matters.
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Kaspersky experts warn that these interactions may involve sensitive personal information. Exposure, misuse by third parties or access by cybercriminals could create significant privacy and security risks.
Concerns Over AI Accuracy and Data Privacy
The survey also highlights concerns about the reliability of AI-generated information. Nearly one in 10 respondents said they had encountered incorrect AI-generated information. Meanwhile, 24% believe AI can provide inaccurate answers.
These findings highlight the need for users to assess AI-generated content critically. They should also avoid sharing sensitive personal information with AI platforms.
Seifallah Jedidi, Head of Consumer Channel in the Middle East, Türkiye and Africa at Kaspersky, warned users about the limitations and potential risks of AI services.
He said even widely used platforms may contain vulnerabilities that could expose user data. Depending on a service’s policies, third parties may also process or access information shared with these platforms.
Jedidi urged users to verify information, handle personal data carefully and assess AI-generated responses critically. He also warned that cybercriminals increasingly use fake AI agents and services to distribute malware. Some disguise malicious tools as well-known AI resources to deceive users.
Kaspersky Shares Tips for Safer AI Use
Kaspersky experts recommend several precautions to reduce cybersecurity risks when using AI services:
- Protect sensitive information: Avoid sharing confidential, financial or personal data with AI platforms.
- Review privacy policies: Check how a service collects, stores, processes and handles user information before using it.
- Verify AI responses: Cross-check information through reliable sources, particularly for medical, legal, financial and educational matters.
- Watch for fake AI services: Be alert to phishing pages, fraudulent websites and malicious software disguised as legitimate AI tools.
Kaspersky also highlighted comprehensive security solutions, including Kaspersky Premium, which uses AI-powered technologies to help protect users in everyday digital activities.
