For the same task, which service and which tier you use completely changes where your data goes and the risks involved.
This is the most important question to ask before choosing a tool.
In 2023, Samsung engineers pasted confidential source code into ChatGPT, and the data was uploaded directly to OpenAI's servers. The problem wasn't hackers — it was that they didn't realize any content entered into an online AI service leaves their computer. Samsung subsequently banned all external AI use.
For researchers, this risk is especially relevant: unpublished experimental data, research ideas, and collaboration agreement drafts — once submitted, you've lost control over them.
ChatGPT Team / Enterprise
Google Workspace (Gemini)
Explicit commitment not to use inputs for model training. Suitable for general everyday work.
⚠️ Commitments cannot be verified; sensitive data should still not be entered.
ChatGPT Free
Gemini Personal
Data may be used for training. Avoid entering any unpublished research content or personal information.
DeepSeek, Qwen
Kimi, Ernie Bot
Subject to China's National Intelligence Law, which grants the government authority to access server data. Responses may be censored or contain systematic biases.
Three questions to help you quickly decide whether a service is appropriate.
Unpublished data, collaboration agreements, personal information — regardless of tier, no online service should receive this. Consider a local model.
Chinese services are subject to local law, which grants the government access rights. Even for general content, this risk must be evaluated.
At minimum, confirm the provider explicitly states how data is used and whether it's used for training. Free tiers typically offer no such guarantee.
Each provider has a different focus — choosing the right tool makes all the difference.
| Model | Developer | Best For | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | OpenAI (🇺🇸) | Everyday writing, Q&A, code | Free ⚠️ / Enterprise ✅ |
| Claude | Anthropic (🇺🇸) | Long document analysis, academic writing, logical reasoning | Free ⚠️ / Enterprise ✅ |
| Gemini | Google (🇺🇸) | Google Workspace integration, long documents | Personal ⚠️ / Workspace ✅ |
| TAIDE | NSTC (🇹🇼) | Traditional Chinese, Taiwan legal formats, local context | Taiwan Official ✅ |
| DeepSeek / Qwen / Kimi / Ernie | Various Chinese companies (🇨🇳) | — | Avoid 🚫 |