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Are AI chatbots dangerous?
Short answer
AI chatbots are not dangerous for most everyday tasks, but they have real risks. They can state wrong information confidently, keep or use what you type, give poor advice on health, money or law, and be harmful for children and vulnerable people. In the UK, Ofcom regulates some chatbots under the Online Safety Act.
The main risks
- Wrong answers. Chatbots can make things up. See what is an AI hallucination?
- Privacy. What you type may be stored and, on some plans, used for training. See does AI save your data?
- Bad advice. They are not doctors, lawyers or financial advisers. See can AI give legal advice?
- Emotional dependence. Companion chatbots can encourage unhealthy reliance, especially for young people.
- Scams. Criminals use AI for convincing phishing emails and voice clones. See is AI voice cloning legal?
What UK law covers
Ofcom says the Online Safety Act applies to chatbots that let users share content with each other, search the web or databases, or can generate pornographic content. These services must protect users from illegal content and protect children. Ofcom has opened investigations, including into an AI companion service's age checks. Creating sexual deepfakes of real people is a criminal offence. See are deepfakes illegal in the UK?
How to use chatbots safely
- Do not share passwords, bank details or other people's personal data.
- Check important facts with a trusted source.
- Use business plans with training off for work data.
- Supervise children and use age settings.
See how to use AI safely at work.
Related questions
Are AI chatbots bad for business?
No, used carefully they save time on writing and admin. The risk is trusting them without checks.
Are AI chatbots generative AI?
Yes. Modern chatbots like ChatGPT use generative AI to create new text. See how does an AI chatbot work?
Is AI regulated in the UK?
Partly, through existing laws and regulators. See is AI regulated in the UK?
Sources
Checked 18 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
More on getting started with ai
- Can AI analyse a video?
- Can AI compare two documents?
- Can AI help me write a book?
- Can AI proofread a document?
- Can ChatGPT be used for business?
- Can ChatGPT make a PowerPoint presentation?
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