Dubai Police have issued a clear warning: AI chatbots like ChatGPT pose real privacy risks to users who share personal information with them. The caution comes from the Dubai Police Cyber Crime Department, which processes more than 100 cybercrime reports every day.
Dubai Police Raise the Alarm on AI Chatbot Privacy Risks
Major Abdullah Al Sheihi, Acting Director of the Cyber Crime Department, highlighted how people have grown to rely on AI chatbots for everyday tasks — from drafting emails to conducting research. That comfort, he warns, has a dangerous side.
"It becomes easy for people to disclose personal information in a way that paints full pictures, which violate their privacy," Major Al Sheihi said.
The concern is not just about what users type. As AI applications have added voice capabilities, the risk has deepened. People talk to AI assistants as they would a trusted friend — sharing worries, circumstances, and personal details — not fully grasping that AI systems have vast analytical capabilities and virtually unlimited memory.
ChatGPT and Data Collection: What Makes It Risky
AI companies collect and store enormous quantities of user data. Even seemingly harmless exchanges can, over time, build a detailed profile of an individual. Major Al Sheihi cautioned that this data could be accessed or misused in future — through data breaches, legal orders, or exploitation by bad actors.
Dubai Police emphasise that there are no confirmed local misuse incidents reported so far, but urge proactive caution before problems emerge.
Deepfakes, Fraud, and the 'Monopoly' Operation
Among the AI-enabled cybercrime threats Dubai Police have identified:
- Deepfake videos combining audio and visual elements to impersonate celebrities or executives - Phishing and identity theft campaigns powered by AI-generated content - Large-scale fraud schemes, including the notorious 'Monopoly' operation in which $113 million was stolen using AI-assisted email hacking and executive impersonation across two cases in 2020 and early 2024, resulting in 43 arrests across 12 nationalities
AI's Impact on Young People
Major Al Sheihi also raised concerns about cognitive impact on younger generations. As AI takes over writing and analysis tasks, there is a risk that critical thinking skills among youth may weaken — making them more susceptible to manipulation and cybercrime in the long run.
What Dubai Police Recommend
Dubai Police concluded that AI tools can be used safely, but offered these practical guidelines:
- Share as little personal information as possible with AI chatbots - Cross-check facts and information from multiple trusted sources - Stay informed about the latest developments in cybersecurity - Be especially cautious when using voice-enabled AI applications
The Cyber Crime Department continues to monitor AI-related threats as the technology evolves rapidly across the UAE and globally.
