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Chrome extensions were caught stealing ChatGPT and DeepSeek conversations from over 900,000 users. Here’s what happened, how it works, and how to stay safe.
Introduction
AI tools like ChatGPT and DeepSeek have become daily work companions for developers, founders, students, and businesses. But a recent cybersecurity investigation revealed a serious threat hiding in plain sight: browser extensions secretly harvesting private AI conversations.
What Happened?
Multiple Chrome extensions were found accessing and exfiltrating private AI chat data without user consent. These extensions operated silently in the background, exploiting overly broad browser permissions granted during installation.
How Chrome Extensions Stole AI Chats
- Reading and modifying data on visited websites
- Monitoring AI chat interfaces in real time
- Capturing text input and AI responses
- Sending harvested data to external servers
Why ChatGPT and DeepSeek Chats Were Targeted
AI conversations frequently contain sensitive information such as proprietary business ideas, software code, legal drafts, credentials, and personal data. This makes AI chat platforms high-value targets for data harvesting operations.
The Scale of the Breach
- Over 900,000 users affected
- Multiple malicious extensions involved
- Users across several countries impacted
- Extended periods of silent data collection
Why This Is a Bigger AI Security Problem
AI adoption is accelerating faster than security awareness. While users often trust browser extensions to enhance productivity, extensions remain one of the weakest and least monitored links in the modern AI ecosystem.
How to Protect Yourself
- Audit browser extensions regularly
- Remove extensions you no longer use
- Avoid granting unnecessary permissions
- Never input highly sensitive data into AI chats
- Install extensions only from verified developers
What This Means for the Future of AI
This incident highlights a critical reality: AI privacy does not stop at the platform level. Security must extend across browsers, extensions, and user behavior. Without stronger controls, AI tools could become one of the largest unintentional data leaks in modern computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Were ChatGPT or DeepSeek hacked?
No. The AI platforms themselves were not breached. The data was accessed through malicious browser extensions installed by users.
How can I tell if an extension is stealing data?
Red flags include excessive permissions, vague privacy policies, unknown developers, and unexplained browser slowdowns or network activity.
Is it safe to use AI tools in a browser?
Yes, as long as users actively manage extensions, avoid unverified tools, and remain cautious with sensitive information.
Conclusion
The Chrome extension data theft incident is a wake-up call for the AI era. Convenience without caution comes at a cost. If users fail to take responsibility for digital hygiene, AI platforms may become one of the easiest data-leak vectors in modern history.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, cybersecurity, or professional advice.
