Hajra Naz
AI is showing up everywhere—on your phone, in search engines, inside apps, and even at fast-food drive-throughs. You can’t open a web browser or use a smart device today without being offered some kind of AI assistant or chatbot.
That alone should tell you one thing: how we use the internet is changing fast. But with all this convenience comes a quiet but growing threat—AI tools are asking for more and more access to your data.
AI Tools Want Deep Access—And That’s a Problem
Many AI apps now ask for high levels of access to your private info. They often say it’s needed to “work properly”—but do they need that much?
Think about it: just a few years ago, we were warned to be careful of apps like flashlight or calculator tools that demanded access to our contacts, photos, and even location. We knew that was suspicious—and it still is.
Now, AI apps are doing the same thing. They want your data, and they’re finding more clever ways to get it.
Read More: 7 AI Tools You Should Know: Free and Paid
Case Study: Perplexity’s AI Browser Asks for a Lot
Take Perplexity’s new browser, Comet, for example. It promises helpful features—AI-powered search, email summaries, and calendar organization. Sounds useful, right?
But during a test by TechCrunch, the browser asked for extensive access to a user’s Google account. That included:
- Reading and sending emails
- Managing calendar events
- Downloading contacts
-
And possibly even accessing employee directories
Perplexity says some of this data is stored locally on your device. But by giving permission, you’re still allowing the company to use your info—including to train their AI models for other users.
Other AI Apps Are Doing the Same
This isn’t just about one company. Many AI tools that offer voice transcriptions, virtual assistants, or scheduling support also ask for access to your:
- Calendar
- Contacts
- Real-time conversations
- Camera roll (even photos not yet uploaded)
Meta, for example, has tested AI apps that request access to photos stored locally on your phone. Yes—even those you haven’t posted.
“Putting Your Brain in a Jar”
Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, described AI assistants as “putting your brain in a jar.” And she’s not wrong.
These tools want to do everything for you: book restaurant reservations, buy concert tickets, and manage your schedule. But to do that, they ask for access to your browser (which might include your saved passwords), your calendar, credit card info, and even your contacts—just to share the plan with a friend.
What’s worse, many AI agents also ask to act on your behalf. This means you’re giving them permission to make decisions and take actions—without you manually approving each one.
The Risk Is Real—and It’s Growing
When you allow this kind of access, you’re handing over a full snapshot of your digital life—your emails, messages, appointments, search history, and more. Also, the AI can do one thing slightly faster than you could.
You also have to trust that the company behind the tool will keep your data safe and not misuse it. But mistakes happen. Bugs exist. And many AI companies still rely on humans to review private data and prompts when things go wrong.
So ask yourself: Is saving 30 seconds worth losing control of years’ worth of personal data?
Read More: It’s Happening: AI Is Replacing Tech Workers Now
The Cost Isn’t Just Your Data—It’s Your Trust
AI companies often say your data is used to “improve the product.” But that means your messages, prompts, and habits are helping train a tool that will then be sold to others. All while you’re left hoping it doesn’t leak, get hacked, or end up in the wrong hands.
When these tools ask for deep permissions, that should set off the same red flags as those sketchy apps from years ago. If an AI needs full access to your inbox, calendar, contacts, and browser history just to summarize your emails—it’s worth pausing before you say yes.
Think Before You Grant Permission
Before you click “Allow,” take a moment. Ask:
- Does this app need access to everything it’s asking for?
- What happens to my data once I share it?
- Can I get the same result with a safer tool?
The AI boom isn’t slowing down. But your privacy and security should still come first. The more data you hand over, the more control you give up.
And once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.
