The Director highlighted the serious risks posed by the use of artificial intelligence tools, as well as the need for systematic cybersecurity education for children and parents, were highlighted by Dr. Andreas Konstantinidis, Director of Management Services at Odyssey CyberSecurity.
Speaking on the Alpha Enimerosi program, he warned that users often treat ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence platforms as a kind of “confessional,” where they share personal and sensitive information. As he explained, conversations with AI platforms should not be treated as confidential, since the data is stored in the archives of the companies that provide these services.
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At the same time, he noted that deleting a conversation from the user’s screen does not necessarily mean that it is immediately removed from all of the company’s systems. For this reason, as he emphasized, the safest practice is to avoid sharing information with a chatbot that you wouldn’t give to a stranger.
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Conversations and the Training of AI Models
Dr. Konstantinidis also addressed the issue of using data to train artificial intelligence models, noting that some platforms offer settings through which users can restrict the use of their data for this purpose. However, he emphasized that, whether the data is used for training or not, we must avoid sharing personal and sensitive information.
The Risks of Leaks and Malicious Use
When asked about incidents of leaked conversations or potential threats against individuals and legal entities, he referred to the risks posed by the circulation of information online, particularly within closed or illegal online communities. According to him, the key preventive measure is proper behavior on the part of the user. “Don’t share anything you wouldn’t share with a stranger,” he emphasized.
He also referred to the European regulatory framework for very large digital platforms and their obligations to the European Union. As he noted, ChatGPT has now far exceeded the user threshold set by European legislation for the category of “Very Large Online Platforms” (VLOPs).
In this context, he emphasized the need for greater transparency and accountability, with clear terms, easy communication for authorities and users, the ability to report illegal content, protection of fundamental rights, the opportunity to submit feedback, and independent audits.
“We shouldn’t demonize chatbots”
Speaking about the risks that may arise from the use of chatbots, Dr. Konstantinidis emphasized that they are now part of our daily lives and we cannot ban them. “We shouldn’t demonize them,” he said, emphasizing the need to teach children how to use them safely and what information they should or should not share.
As she noted, the way chatbots respond is so natural that it often feels as though we’re talking to a friend. “But they’re still machines,” she emphasized.
“A ban is not the solution,” he said, explaining that children will likely find ways to circumvent the restrictions. Instead, he argued, they need to be educated to become more “cyber-resilient,” to understand the dangers of the internet, and to know how to protect themselves.
In fact, citing tragic incidents in which changes in children’s behavior can even lead to a threat to their lives, he emphasized that it is essential for parents to be informed about modern digital risks so that they can recognize problematic behaviors early on and support their children.
“Cybersecurity education is absolutely essential in schools”
Dr. Konstantinidis placed particular emphasis on the need to integrate cybersecurity into the daily educational process. Referring to his visits to nearly 100 elementary and middle schools throughout Cyprus as part of cybersecurity awareness initiatives, he emphasized that it is of the utmost importance for children to be educated by experts in a way that resonates with their own language and reality.
This education, as she explained, must be linked to the games, apps, and platforms they use every day so that they can recognize the risks.
“Children know much more than what we try to show them,” she said, noting that the risks are not always clear to either the children themselves or their parents.
“We often think we’re invisible online. We’re not.”
For this reason, he emphasized that a cybersecurity seminar once or twice a year is not enough. Systematic education is needed, starting at a young age, since children come into contact with technology very early on.
Information for Parents, Too
Finally, Dr. Konstantinidis noted that there are now educational opportunities for parents as well, through seminars and programs offered by relevant organizations, such as the Digital Security Authority and the Pedagogical Institute. The message he conveyed is that cybersecurity is no longer a specialized field of knowledge reserved solely for technology professionals.
