How to keep Google AI from training with your data

Google recently changed its privacy policy, allowing itself to use everyone’s data for AI training. Search Engine Journal was one of the first publications to notice the change. According to the SEO website, the policy changed the word “language models” into “AI models.” As a result, it enables its artificial intelligence systems to train on user data.

The artificial intelligence revolution causes tech companies to accelerate their research and development. Unfortunately, some tech firms breach user privacy to improve their systems. In response, everyone must be more careful when sharing information online.

This article will discuss how you can reduce personal data it could use for AI development. The best part is you can try these tips immediately to protect your information as soon as possible.

How to protect your data from Google AI

1. Be careful when sharing data.
2. Use Google’s privacy controls.
3. Read privacy policies thoroughly.
4. Use alternative services.
5. Contact Google regarding its new policy.

1. Be careful when sharing data.

Google's updated privacy policy allows the company to scrape public data to improve its AI models. via @MattGSouthern: https://t.co/ZIut7wgzb6#Google #DigitalMarketing

— SearchEngineJournal® (@sejournal) July 3, 2023

The best way to protect your data is to only share it with trustworthy people and organizations. Nowadays, this tip includes Google due to its new privacy policy.

It’s impossible to completely distance yourself from the company’s services because we use them daily. However, you can ensure it doesn’t use more of your data.

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Do not share information you’re uncomfortable sharing with people in your neighborhood. You may also replace your Android devices with iOS if possible since Google owns the latter.

2. Use Google’s privacy controls.

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Search Engine Journal recommends using Google’s privacy controls to control how much personal data you share with its AI systems. Follow these steps:

1. Go to www.google.com.
2. Log in to your Google account.
3. Next, click your profile icon and select the Manage your Google account button.
4. Scroll to the History settings section and toggle off Web & App Activity, Location History, and YouTube History.

You may also like: Google warns employees not to use Bard chatbot

These prevent Google AI from using your recent online activity, location data, and YouTube usage. However, turning them off would likely limit the functionality of some Google apps.

For example, you may struggle to use Google Maps for real-time navigation. Moreover, YouTube and the search engine won’t save your previous queries. Consequently, you must remember and input them manually when needed.

3. Read privacy policies thoroughly.

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Most people ignore privacy policies whenever they create accounts on new platforms. Unfortunately, that leaves them susceptible to privacy and security risks.

You might agree to share personal information if you don’t read the terms and conditions properly. For example, you probably won’t notice the revisions to the Google privacy policy initially.

Click “publicly accessible sources,” and you’ll reveal the new AI clause. Click here for more information. It will help you practice reading website policies!

4. Use alternative services.

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Other apps function similarly to Google’s, allowing you to secure your data from its AI training. For example, you could use Microsoft’s Bing instead when looking for information on the internet. Here are the other apps you can replace:

1. You may replace Gmail with ProtonMail for sending emails.
2. Also, use DuckDuckGo or Opera instead of Chrome.
3. You could share and watch videos on Vimeo or Netflix instead of YouTube.

Inquirer Tech recommends more apps and services. For example, read my “Top 10 YouTube Alternatives” and “Best Small Business Tools” articles.

5. Contact Google regarding its new policy.

Photo Credit: nextgov.com

You may reach out to the search engine company regarding its new policy. Here’s how you can send a message to its customer support representatives:

1. Go to support.google.com.
2. Type “privacy policy” on the search bar and press Enter.
3. Then, click the Send feedback about our Help Center button at the bottom of the page.
4. Click “This help & content information.”
5. Next, type your concern in the Describe your feedback text box.
6. Click the Send button to finalize your message.

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Conclusion

Google recently changed its privacy policy to allow its AI to train on user data. Gizmodo explained it is a legal grey area that may spark copyright questions in the future.

Protecting your data isn’t foolproof because most people rely on Google services. Still, you could prevent the search engine platform from taking more of your information.

Using the steps above, you may prevent Google from further data gathering. You can learn more digital tips and trends with Inquirer Tech articles.

Frequently asked questions about Google AI

What are Google’s AI programs?

Google has been working on several artificial intelligence projects, such as the Bard chatbot. It is also developing an AI music generator called MusicLM that creates tunes from obscure descriptions. Also, it is working on a new search engine called Magi that applies generative AI to online searches.

How can I try Google AI search?

At the time of writing, Google allows people to try its AI services via a waitlist. Head to labs.withgoogle.com and choose which artificial intelligence program you want to try. You may choose the Magic Compose messaging service, AI-powered Workspace apps, AI notebook Project Tailwind, and AI-powered online search.

Should I use Google AI?

Most people should be familiar with AI services as they become more prevalent daily. However, ensure you’re willing to share their required information. Also, avoid sharing sensitive data using Google AI due to its new privacy policy.