Chatbots can produce human-like text by accessing online resources or files or using data they have been trained on. The word "chat" refers to the chat-like interaction between humans and AI. Chatbots are multifunctional language tools that generate, organise and transform content, as well as support thought and work processes. Communication takes place via a human-language command (prompt), to which the AI responds.

Responses from chatbots often seem correct, even when they are not. Chatbots may invent content or sources ('hallucinate'), pass on content incorrectly, and/or incorporate biases.  They may also quote entire articles or book chapters word for word without mentioning. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the accuracy and origin of chatbot responses before using them. Chatbots pose risks in terms of data protection and security, especially when sensitive content is shared. User data is often leaked, sold or used for further AI training without permission. The risk to users depends on the provider. It is important to use chatbots in a careful way. Three chatbot alternatives are presented below.

Chat.AI

Provider:
GWDG (Gesellschaft für wissenschaftliche Datenverarbeitung mbH Göttingen)

For what?
Good for text-based tasks. It is also useful for sensitive information such as project documents, although personal information like names and addresses should not be shared.

Access:
Free with BURG login details.  Link for registration

Data protection:

• Data is stored in data centres in Lower Saxony
• Data is stored within the memory function (AI remembers certain details).

BURG article with further information: Link
Go to the tool: Link
 

Claude AI

Provider:
Anthropic (former employees of OpenAI, USA)

For what?

• Ethically complex tasks or target groups, and content sensitive to bias: Claude is based on the concept of “Constitutional AI” — a set of rules that program ethical behavior, transparency, and consideration into the model, aligning every output with this set of rules. Among other elements, it incorporates the UN Convention on Human Rights.
• Data visualizations
• Processing large amounts of data, such as long texts

Access:
There is a limited, free version of Claude. A personal account is required to use it.

Data protection:

• Data is stored and processed on servers in the USA.
• Claude uses all data for processing and retains access even to deleted content.
• According to the provider, chat content is not used for training purposes.

Go to the tool: Link
 

ChatGPT

Provider:
OpenAI, USA

For what?

• Large number of text-based tasks, e.g., structuring assignments, summarizing and simplifying, creative or academic writing (Attention! The tool hallucinates when providing literature and source references), programming.
• Image generation: creating images with the integrated tool Sora.
• Speech output.
• Checking and testing code with Codex.

Access:
There is a limited, free version of ChatGPT. A personal account is required to use it. 
 

Data protection:

• Frequent data loss and leaking of users personal data and chats.
• Data is stored on servers in the USA.
• It is unclear what ChatGPT stores and how they use stored data

Zum Tool: Link