Is your AI chat history public? These 198 iOS apps just leaked user data (www.techradar.com)

Security researchers have uncovered a significant data leak involving 198 iOS apps, primarily those related to artificial intelligence (AI). The issue, identified by CovertLabs and documented by VX Underground, has exposed private messages of over 20 million users, with one app, Chat & Ask AI, leaking chat histories of around 18 million users, totaling about 380 million messages. Sensitive data, including phone numbers and email addresses, is reportedly easily accessible to anyone familiar with where to look, raising serious concerns about user privacy in AI applications. This discovery casts doubt on Apple’s claims regarding the security of its App Store, often cited as a reason to resist regulatory pressure for more open app ecosystems. The presence of such vulnerable apps suggests that some developers may have prioritized rapid deployment over stringent security measures, particularly in the haste to capitalize on AI trends. With many apps now flagged in a repository named Firehound, affected developers have the opportunity to rectify the vulnerabilities, while users are advised to discontinue use of these apps and take steps to protect their accounts. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved security practices within the AI app development community.