Zero data retention is an arrangement in which an AI provider does not store what you type into its tool (your prompts) or what the tool writes back (its outputs) once your request has been answered. The provider holds the information only as long as it needs to produce a reply. Say a staff member pastes a donor letter into a chatbot covered by this arrangement: the provider should not keep a copy of that letter after the answer appears.
Why it matters
Zero data retention can reduce the risk of sensitive information about clients, donors or staff sitting on someone else’s systems. Providers usually offer it to business or enterprise customers, and often only for certain features or after they approve your request. If you use a free or personal account, check whether it is available to you at all. Before you rely on it, ask the vendor in writing which products and features it covers, how you turn it on, and what exceptions apply. Then compare their answer with the provider’s general data retention rules and any training opt-out it offers.
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