Your guide to protecting data from AI

In this advance-level digital world, everything you post online could be used to train artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Companies like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are using vast amounts of data to power their AI creations. However, there are some proven steps that you can take to regain control over your data and protect your privacy.

Let us start with the basics. Tech giants have been collecting tons of data from the internet to fuel their AI projects. Unfortunately, this often happens without much thought for the rights of people who created that content or for privacy laws. Your posts could end up being used to train AI models or even sold to other companies without your knowledge.

But there is a hope on the horizon. Some companies are now giving users the option to opt out of having their data used for AI training or commercial purposes. However, there are some limitations you should be aware of.

Once your data is out there, it’s not easy to remove it from AI systems completely. Companies are often secretive about what data they’ve collected and how they’re using it. Even if you find an opt-out option, it might be hidden in privacy policies or require a lot of effort to implement.

However, some companies are making progress in being transparent and giving users more control. For example, Adobe allows users to opt out of having their files used for AI training if they have a personal account. Similarly, Google’s Gemini offers a simple way to opt out of having your conversations reviewed for AI improvement.

But not all companies make it as easy. Amazon’s AWS, for instance, has a more complicated opt-out process that might require help from a professional. And Grammarly doesn’t currently offer opt-out options for personal accounts, although businesses can choose to opt out of AI training.

If you’re using platforms like HubSpot for marketing, opting out might mean sending an email directly to the company.

While these opt-out options are a step forward, they’re not perfect. Companies often default to opt-in policies, making it harder for users to take control of their data. That’s why it’s important to stay vigilant and advocate for stronger privacy protections.

In a world where data is so valuable, it’s crucial to stand up for your rights and take action to protect your privacy online. By understanding your options and speaking up for stronger privacy measures, you can reclaim control over your data and make sure it’s not being used by AI systems without your permission.

FAQ

Q: What is generative AI and how does it use our stuff?

A: Generative AI is like a smart robot that makes new things like stories or pictures by using what it learned from a plethora of data. Companies use our online stuff like posts and pictures to teach these robots how to make new stuff by themselves.

Q: How do companies like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini use our stuff to teach their robots?

A: They collect lots of our online stuff, like what we write on social media or the pictures we post. Then they use all that stuff to teach their robots how to understand words or make new sentences and images.

Q: Why should we worry about our privacy when companies use our stuff to teach robots?

A: It’s like giving away a part of ourselves without knowing it. Sometimes, we don’t even realize our stuff is being used. It’s important because we should have a say in how our things are used, especially if they’re personal.

Q: Can we stop companies from using our stuff for teaching robots?

A: Some companies are starting to let us say no to using our stuff for teaching robots, but it’s not always easy to find or do. And even if we say no now, it might not change what’s already been done with our stuff.

Q: What can we do to protect our privacy better when it comes to teaching robots?

A: We can speak up about it and ask for clearer rules and choices. Also, we can be careful about what we share online and think about how it might be used. It’s about making sure we have control over our own stuff.