Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL)’s digital assistant, Gemini, gets fresh capabilities to manage and control past chat interactions. As AI applications advance, privacy has become a central concern among users and technology firms alike. Paying close attention to this, Google has added new privacy-focused features to its Gemini app. Now, users can opt for Temporary Chats, ensuring their conversations remain private and are not stored permanently, enhancing user control and privacy.
Concerns regarding privacy have been prevalent across various AI platforms. Meta (NASDAQ:META) faced scrutiny for potentially exposing user prompts through its AI assistant’s “Discover” feed. Similarly, OpenAI encountered issues with its ChatGPT accidentally sharing user data in search results. These incidents have prompted stricter privacy measures across the industry, emphasizing the significance of user trust and data control.
What Changes Are Being Introduced?
Google’s Gemini updates now allow it to remember or forget past interactions according to user preference. The Temporary Chat feature enables private conversations with data not retained beyond 72 hours. Users can decide whether to let Gemini remember past interactions to provide more personalized responses. This setting is active by default but can be adjusted or turned off at any time.
How Does Google Address User Privacy Concerns?
Responding to user concerns about data usage, Google offers enhanced control over personal data. In light of regulatory scrutiny and incidents across other AI platforms, the company prioritizes transparency. Michael Siliski, senior director of product management at Gemini, emphasized in a recent statement,
“Today we’re updating the Gemini app so it becomes an even more personal, proactive and powerful assistant, while also providing you more control over your data.”
In the coming weeks, the name “Gemini Apps Activity” will transform to “Keep Activity”. This setting will allow users to manage how their data contributes to improving Google services. Users can easily toggle data sharing or utilize Temporary Chats to ensure privacy.
Explaining the rationale behind these updates, Siliski added,
“Because we know trust is earned through transparency and control, we believe it’s important to provide you with the tools to manage your data.”
Such developments reflect Google’s commitment to accountability and privacy concerns.
These moves to protect user data come after other AI platforms have faced privacy challenges. Enhancing user trust by providing control over data sharing provides users increased confidence while engaging with AI assistants.
Significant updates to digital assistants like Gemini should be viewed as part of a broader shift towards securing user trust in digital technologies. By enabling users more agency over their data, Google not only complies with raising regulatory standards but also builds a robust framework for the moral use of AI, setting an example within the tech landscape.
