Google Gemini, the chatbot formerly known as Bard, has recently updated its privacy policy, revealing that it can retain users’ conversations for up to three years, even if they delete their app activity. In contrast, ChatGPT allows conversations to be permanently deleted every 30 days.
According to the revised privacy policy, any conversations that have been reviewed or annotated by human reviewers will not be deleted when users delete their Gemini Apps activity. This includes related data such as language, device type, location information, and feedback. These conversations are kept separately and are not linked to users’ Google Accounts. Therefore, they can be retained for a significant period of time.
This new revelation has raised concerns among privacy advocates who argue that Google’s retention of such data could potentially pose a threat to users’ privacy. While the company states that these reviewed conversations are not connected to users’ Google Accounts, the fact that they can be kept for up to three years raises questions about the need for such prolonged storage.
Google Gemini has been praised for its chat capabilities and the convenience it brings to users. However, its data retention practices have now come under scrutiny. Advocates argue that the preservation of conversations, along with associated information, could be used for various purposes, including targeted advertising or even potentially being accessed by unauthorized third parties.
On the other hand, Google defends its data retention policy by stating that it helps improve the chatbot’s accuracy and quality. The information gathered from reviewed conversations is used to train and develop the chatbot’s capabilities, allowing it to better understand users and provide more relevant responses. Google emphasizes that the privacy and security of user data are of utmost importance and that measures are in place to protect it.
The debate surrounding data retention and privacy is an ongoing one, and Google’s updated privacy policy for Gemini has added fuel to the fire. Many users are becoming increasingly conscious of how their data is handled and are demanding more transparency and control over it.
In conclusion, Google Gemini’s privacy policy update reveals the company’s retention of reviewed conversations for up to three years. While this is aimed at improving the chatbot’s performance, it has sparked concerns about privacy and data security. As discussions about data retention continue, users are encouraged to carefully consider the implications of sharing their conversations with chatbots and be aware of the privacy policies implemented by such platforms.
