Kaspersky: AI Enters Personal Affairs, Raising Privacy Concerns

Results from a survey conducted by Kaspersky in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa show that users are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence tools in their daily lives, including for information searches, content creation, and obtaining advice on personal matters, alongside growing concerns about data privacy and the accuracy of responses.

According to the survey findings, 79% of participants reported using AI services, with 74% using them to search for and summarize information, and 50% using them for writing texts. Additionally, 42% turned to AI to generate images from text descriptions, 41% used it to edit or transform their personal photos, and 32% employed it to create videos.

The use of AI extended to personal life aspects, with 37% of participants stating they ask health-related questions to AI tools, 29% use them to plan leisure time, holidays, and events, and 23% use them to prepare meal plans. Furthermore, 41% rely on these tools to obtain advice on other personal matters.

Kaspersky warned that sharing personal information during these interactions may pose privacy and cybersecurity risks, particularly if data is exposed, leaked, or misused by third parties.

The survey results also highlighted challenges related to the reliability of information generated by these tools. Approximately one in ten participants encountered incorrect information, while 24% believed that AI provides inaccurate answers, underscoring the importance of verifying information before relying on it, especially in medical, legal, and financial fields.

Saif Allah Jadidi, Head of Consumer Channels for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Kaspersky, stated that users of AI tools should be aware of the limitations and potential risks associated with these services. He explained that shared data may be processed by third parties in accordance with terms of use and privacy policies, and that some platforms may be vulnerable to security breaches.

Jadidi called for adopting safe digital practices, including verifying information, handling personal data with caution, and critically evaluating responses. He warned against fake AI services that may exploit the names of well-known platforms to distribute malware or carry out fraud.

Guidelines for Safe Use

The company recommended refraining from sharing sensitive information, such as passwords, financial data, health information, and private correspondence, and reviewing privacy policies to understand how data is collected, stored, and used. It also emphasized the need to verify answers by referring to reliable sources and to be cautious of websites and applications impersonating known AI services.

The survey was commissioned by Kaspersky in 2026 and included 5,000 interviews across five countries: the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and South Africa.