Summary
- Google chatbot Gemini is upgrading its algorithms to include a new feature called Personal Context, which remembers users’ past conversations to generate bespoke responses.
- This approach may cause privacy concerns, as Google’s privacy policy allows the company to store chat data for up to three years, for future AI training.
- UK residents and under 18s will not have access to this function, due to stricter privacy laws, which some see as an indicator of the feature’s inconsistency.
- It can be switched off, however, in Settings, under Personal Context, and toggling off past chats with Gemini.
- A temporary chat function protects user privacy further, not storing or using chat data, with chats auto-deleting after 72 hours.
- It is recommended that users delete old chats, even if they trust Gemini, to maintain a clean slate and ensure maximum privacy.
- Users should also stay vigilant, setting monthly reviews of activity settings, and deleting old conversations.
It is not recommended that users share personal details, and if they do so, using temporary chats can provide a safer solution.
These steps ensure that users’ data remains as private as desired, whilst still utilising the benefits of the AI-powered chatbot.