Goal: keep reflections useful while minimizing exposure. This guide shows my baseline privacy setup, safer prompt patterns, local-first options, and a simple export/retention policy. New to AI journaling? Start at the hub, then apply these protections.
Privacy fundamentals
- Minimize: write summaries, not raw details, when topics are sensitive.
- Redact: replace names, dates, and identifiers with roles or initials.
- Segment: keep raw longform local; send only condensed prompts to cloud AIs.
- Rotate: use weekly exports and a retention window you actually follow.
- Verify: review app/account sharing settings quarterly.
Quick risk matrix
| Data type | Example | Recommended handling |
|---|---|---|
| Direct identifiers | Full names, emails, addresses | Redact to roles/initials before sending to AI. |
| Sensitive events | Health, finances, legal details | Local-first raw notes; send only distilled themes. |
| Media | Photos, audio, docs | Strip metadata; avoid faces/logos when possible. |
| Work info | Roadmaps, client names | Abstract entities; remove client identifiers. |
Baseline privacy setup (10 minutes)
- Separate spaces: keep a private local journal (Docs/Markdown/Notion private DB) for raw notes; use AI only for summaries and routines.
- Redaction habit: create a simple “[Name→Role]” cheat list (e.g., “T.K. → manager”).
- Device hygiene: enable full-disk encryption and screen-lock timeouts.
- Account hygiene: strong unique passwords, passkeys or 2FA, review sharing/connected apps quarterly.
- Retention rule: weekly snapshot + 90-day purge of raw AI conversations.
- Export cadence: copy AM/PM summaries weekly to a private folder with consistent names.
Safer prompt templates
Use these to keep sensitive details out of cloud requests while preserving insight.
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Summarize this private journal excerpt without repeating identifiers. Replace names with roles (e.g., “manager”, “sibling”). Return: 2-line takeaway + 1 suggested tag. Max 120 words.
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I will describe a situation in abstract terms. Do not ask for names or identifiers. Extract themes, one realistic reframe, and one next step I control. ≤120 words.
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Transcribe this note. Remove names and exact dates. Ask one clarifying question that avoids identifiers. Return a 2-line summary + 1 tag (mood or topic). ≤120 words.
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From this week’s redacted summaries only: List themes, one highlight, one lesson, and two small experiments for next week. Do not include names or identifiers. ≤120 words.
Local-first journaling options
Prefer to keep raw details off the cloud? Draft locally, summarize with AI.
- Docs/Markdown: simple, portable, easy versioning.
- Notes/Notion private DB: lock sharing, restrict integrations.
- Obsidian-style vaults: local files, synced via your provider of choice.
Tip: keep a “To-AI” scratch file where you paste only redacted summaries for prompts.
Export & retention policy
- Weekly snapshot: export AM/PM takeaways and weekly reviews.
- Naming:
Journal-YYYY-MM-DD-wkNN - Foldering: /Journal/<Year>/Weekly/
- Retention: keep weekly snapshots; purge raw AI chats after 90 days.
- Backups: 3-2-1 rule (3 copies, 2 media, 1 offsite).
See detailed export tips: Export & Back Up Your Journal.
When not to use AI
- Acute legal, medical, or high-risk events.
- Third-party secrets or contractual information.
- Anything you wouldn’t email without encryption.
FAQs: private AI journaling
Can I keep everything local and still use AI?
Yes. Draft locally, send only redacted summaries for guidance and organization.
What’s the simplest privacy win?
Redact names and dates by default. It takes seconds and prevents accidental exposure.
How often should I review settings?
Quarterly. Check sharing, connected apps, download your data, and prune old chats.
Do voice notes increase risk?
They can. Strip identifiers in the transcript and avoid faces/locations in attachments.
How long should I keep raw AI chats?
Keep what you need to operate your routine. A 90-day purge window is a practical default.
Next steps
- New? Start the 5-minute routine: How to Start AI Journaling.
- Choosing a model? Read Best AI for Journaling: Compare Models.
- Want copy-ready prompts? Open the ChatGPT guide or Claude guide.
