Microsoft Uncovers “Whisper Leak” — AI Chat Privacy at Risk
Microsoft has identified a major privacy vulnerability dubbed “Whisper Leak,” which could allow attackers to infer the topics of encrypted conversations with AI chatbots such as ChatGPT or Gemini.
How the Vulnerability Works
Although the content of AI conversations remains encrypted, researchers discovered that patterns in network traffic can unintentionally reveal what users are discussing. By analyzing packet size and timing during data transmission, adversaries can deduce whether the topic involves finance, politics, or even sensitive personal matters.
The attack does not break encryption directly; instead, it exploits side-channel information in the way encrypted data packets are sent and received. This means that even when using secure HTTPS connections, metadata from your chat activity can betray your interests or intentions.
Who Can Exploit It
According to Microsoft’s report, state-level surveillance agencies, internet service providers, or even local attackers on public Wi-Fi networks could theoretically monitor and analyze encrypted chat streams. In practice, all they would need is passive access to network traffic — no direct compromise of your device or account is required.
“It’s like eavesdropping through a keyhole,” one Microsoft security engineer explained. “You can’t hear the words, but you can see when someone leans in to whisper.”
Potential Impact on AI Platforms
The discovery has raised concerns across the AI industry. Since large language models process massive amounts of personal and corporate data, knowing the nature of a conversation — even without the actual text — can be enough to build psychological or behavioral profiles of users. Cybersecurity experts warn that this could lead to targeted advertising, surveillance, or manipulation campaigns.
Major AI providers are now working to mitigate the issue by randomizing data packet size and timing, though such fixes may increase latency or reduce performance in real-time chat applications.
Microsoft’s Response and Future Safeguards
Microsoft has already rolled out preliminary defenses for its own AI systems, including Azure OpenAI endpoints and Copilot, and has shared technical details with other industry players. The company urges developers integrating AI services to consider network-level obfuscation in their security design.
“Encryption alone is no longer enough,” Microsoft’s statement concludes. “We must protect not just the content of AI communication but also its context.”
Editorial Team — CoinBotLab