When to use ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and Perplexity.
This matrix is about risk posture, not model quality. The same rules apply: public data is generally safe, internal data requires controlled environments, and client data is prohibited in public tools.
GreenPublic or non-sensitive data only.
AmberInternal data allowed only in enterprise/private deployments with controls.
RedClient or regulated data is prohibited in public tools.
Tool
Public data
Internal data
Client / regulated data
Strengths
Notes
ChatGPT
Green
Amber
Red
Strong general reasoning and code drafting.
Use enterprise tier for internal data; never paste client data in consumer chat.
Claude
Green
Amber
Red
Long-form analysis, document synthesis.
Prefer private or enterprise deployments for any non-public data.
Gemini
Green
Amber
Red
Productivity across Google ecosystem and multimodal tasks.
Use business/enterprise workspace with data controls for internal use.
Perplexity
Green
Amber
Red
Web research and citation-style summaries.
Treat as external research; avoid internal or client data.
Grok
Green
Amber
Red
Fast conversational exploration.
Use only for public data unless an enterprise-controlled environment exists.