Are you using Google’s Gemini chatbot app? Here’s something you should know! Google has just shared some tips on keeping your chats private. It’s like a friendly warning to think before you type.
Why? Because some real people might read what you say to help improve the app. So, don’t type it in the chat if you don’t publicly shout it out loud.
- Google warns users not to enter sensitive information into Gemini GenAI chatbot apps due to potential data review by human annotators.
- Conversations with Gemini can be stored for up to three years, but users have some control over data retention via Google’s My Activity dashboard.
- Despite similarities with competitors’ data policies, Google’s practices highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing AI model development with user privacy.
Google Alerts Users to Privacy Practices with Gemini GenAI Chatbots
Here are things you should note:
- Google recommends users exercise caution with personal information on Gemini chatbot apps.
- Human reviewers may access conversations to enhance the Gemini service.
- User conversations and related data can be stored for up to three years.
- Google’s My Activity dashboard allows users to manage their data retention settings.
Detailed Insights from Google’s Announcement:
Data Oversight: Conversations with Gemini may be subject to review by human annotators, whose purpose is to label and process this data to refine the service’s capabilities.
Data Storage: Google may retain chat logs with Gemini for up to three years. This includes ancillary data such as the languages spoken, devices used, and geographical locations of the users.
User Autonomy: Users have some degree of control over their data. Turning off the Gemini Apps Activity within the My Activity dashboard prevents new conversations from being archived. Additionally, users can erase specific interactions directly from the Gemini Apps Activity section.
Short-Term Retention: Even with Gemini Apps Activity disabled, chats can remain for up to 72 hours. Google states this is necessary to uphold the Gemini apps’ safety and security and facilitate their improvement.
Comparative Privacy Practices: Google’s data collection and retention approach is similar to its competitors, such as OpenAI.
Contextualizing GenAI Tools and User Privacy:
Regulatory Attention: GenAI technology companies, including Google and OpenAI, have come under scrutiny from regulators like the FTC and international authorities concerning their data management and protection strategies.
Businesses Exercise Caution: A survey from Cisco indicates that many companies impose data entry restrictions on GenAI tools, with some opting for a total ban to mitigate privacy concerns.
Risks of Employee Behavior: The same survey suggests that employees occasionally input sensitive company or personal data into GenAI tools, which could lead to security vulnerabilities.
While enterprise-specific GenAI solutions from Google, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Amazon promise not to retain data, consumer-grade products may not offer the same assurance, potentially leaving personal user data vulnerable for specific time frames.
Google’s latest advice serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between leveraging the power of GenAI technology and maintaining robust privacy standards.
Users and businesses must stay informed and vigilant about the data they share with these increasingly prevalent digital tools.
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