AI and data privacy: Opt-out steps for major tech platforms

Major tech companies have faced the heat from users lately for allegedly using their data to train their AI models. While AI tools boost productivity, data privacy has lately been a big concern. So let's decode the reason behind this and also understand how you can opt out from sharing data to AI model training!

Why do companies need user data to train AI?

In today's fast-paced digital world, tech companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) to build innovative products. A key strategy they've adopted is harnessing vast amounts of user data to train their AI algorithms.

Now AI seems like a revolutionary tool but there's an important catch to it. Just like any other software that needs coding to run, artificial intelligence needs the right data. It mainly helps Large Language Models (LLMs) to fine-tune their learning algorithm and provide better accurate responses. However, this approach sparks heated debates about privacy and ethics.

The data collection efforts of tech firms are raising concerns due to the massive amount of personal information they gather and the potential for mishandling and data breaches.

How to stop your data from being used by AI?

1. Adobe

If you use Adobe's cloud-based products such as Photoshop or Lightroom, they may use your data for AI training. Here is how you can change it.

• Sign in to your Adobe account.
• Go to account.adobe.com/privacy on your device browser
• Scroll to find the option labelled as “Content analysis" and switch it off.

After doing so, Adobe will not use your private images but could still "manually review your content" if it is public (e.g. uploaded on Adobe Stock) or participating in a beta program.

2. Gemini

If you wish to opt out of Google's AI chatbot Gemini from saving your data, you can follow the steps given below.

• Open up Gemini on your device
• Select "Menu" from the top right corner
• Now go to "Activity" and choose “Turn off" or "Turn off and delete activity"

It is important to note that even after the Gemini Apps Activity is turned off, your chats will be saved with your account for 72 hours. However, this activity will not show up in your Gemini Apps Activity.

3. Quora

To keep your data safe from AI training on Quora, here's how to do it.

• Log in to your Quora account
• Go to settings
• Tap on the option "Privacy"
• Toggle the "Allow large language models to be trained on your content” off

Although Quora allows this opt-out option, some posts could be used for training AI specifically if a user replies to a machine-generated answer.

4. OpenAI

If you use ChatGPT often, you might not realise how much data you provide to them. However, there are several ways to stop ChatGPT from using your data- disabling chat history & training, using temporary chats, or submitting a privacy request. If none of these work, you can always delete your account.

The takeaway

The ongoing data grab by tech giants highlights the need for awareness and regulation of data collection practices. While the benefits of AI technology are undeniable, user privacy and ethical considerations should be taken into account. As we navigate the AI era, it is crucial to be vigilant and informed about how our data is being used and advocate for transparency.