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“The Leak Loop: When Your Data Never Really Leaves”
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Why AI Isn’t Replacing Affiliate Marketing After All
“AI will make affiliate marketing irrelevant.”
Our new research shows the opposite.
Levanta surveyed 1,000 US consumers to understand how AI is influencing the buying journey. The findings reveal a clear pattern: shoppers use AI tools to explore options, but they continue to rely on human-driven content before making a purchase.
Here is what the data shows:
Less than 10% of shoppers click AI-recommended links
Nearly 87% discover products on social platforms or blogs before purchasing on marketplaces
Review sites rank higher in trust than AI assistants
Cloud Caches Retain Deleted Files and Secrets
Deleting a file from Google Drive or Dropbox doesn’t always erase it. Cached versions, backups, and previews linger. Sensitive data remains recoverable long after deletion.
Collaboration Tools Replicate Content Across Devices
Slack, Notion, and Teams sync data to desktops and mobiles. A single shared doc ends up on dozens of endpoints. Each copy becomes a new liability.
Email Threads Keep Sensitive Info in Circulation
Forwarded messages and reply chains preserve access links, credentials, and attachments. Data sent once becomes part of permanent history. Email is the ultimate data recycler.
Shadow Backups Are Out of Security’s Reach
Personal Time Machines, USB snapshots, and local sync folders keep copies outside IT control. These backups survive policy enforcement. Old data hides in plain sight.
Unlock ChatGPT’s Full Power at Work
ChatGPT is transforming productivity, but most teams miss its true potential. Subscribe to Mindstream for free and access 5 expert-built resources packed with prompts, workflows, and practical strategies for 2025.
Whether you're crafting content, managing projects, or automating work, this kit helps you save time and get better results every week.
AI Tools Train on User Content by Default
Many productivity AI tools ingest and retain user inputs. Uploaded files or chats may be used for future training. Data leaks into systems no one audits.
Deletion Requests Are Rarely Verified or Completed
Users assume delete means gone — but enforcement is inconsistent. Vendors may retain data for legal, performance, or backup reasons. What appears gone still exists somewhere.
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