Why you should be cautious about sharing private information with Google Gemini AI
Google has recently released a privacy update for Gemini AI, advising users to be cautious about the information they share with the app and the storage of conversations and associated data. It is important to note that user data will be kept for a maximum of three years, even if it has been deleted. The Gemini Apps Privacy Hub provides detailed information about this policy, highlighting the segregation of reviewed or annotated conversations and their disconnection from Google Accounts.
When users interact with Gem’s AI, users provide private information that Google uses to improve products and promote machine learning: conversations, location, feedback, and usage data.
Of particular concern is the collection of conversations, leading users to question who has access to this sensitive information. Google addresses this by reaffirming its commitment to privacy and assuring users that personal information is not sold to third parties. To strike a balance between data protection and improvements, Google anonymizes some conversations using automated tools to remove user-identifying details. However, this still does not mean that anyone should share their sensitive private information with Gemini Ai.
Warning: watch what you share in conversations
In the Your Information and Gemini Apps section, users are advised not to disclose confidential information or information that they do not want reviewers or Google to use to improve the product. In addition, the privacy notice expressly states:
“Gemini Apps conversations reviewed by human reviewers will not be deleted when you delete your Gemini Apps activity, as they are kept separately and not linked to your Google Account. Instead, they are kept for up to three years.”
Three years of data retention
The three-year retention period raises concerns about the duration of user conversations in the Gemini ecosystem. Even if Gemini Apps Activity is turned off, Google determines that conversations will continue with the user account for up to 72 hours. This duration facilitates service provision and feedback processing and ensures that such activity does not appear in the Gemini Apps activity log.
In light of these considerations, users are advised to exercise caution and refrain from sharing confidential information in Gemini chats, as data retention extends beyond the removal of application activity. Understanding the implications of Gemini’s privacy policy is critical for users who want to secure their personal information in the digital world.
