Impressive new features have been added to Google Bard in its most recent update, enabling the AI chatbot to search through YouTube videos, delve into your Google Docs, and find old Gmail messages. Despite how amazing these developments are, it's important to remember your privacy whenever you deal with this AI.
Every conversation you have with the chatbot is automatically stored by Google Bard for a period of 18 months. It also includes any physical addresses linked to your Google account, your IP address, and your prompts. While the default settings are in effect, certain interactions may be selected for human approval.
How to disable Bard's activity
Follow these measures to prevent Google Bard from saving your interactions:
- Navigate to the Bard Activity tab.
- Disable the option to save your prompts automatically.
- You can also delete any previous interactions in this tab. By disabling Bard Activity, your new chats will not be submitted for human inspection unless you directly report an interaction to Google.
However, disabling Bard Activity means you won't be able to use any of Bard's extensions connecting it to Gmail, YouTube, or Google Docs.
Erasing conversations with Bard
While you can opt to delete interactions with Bard manually, keep in mind that this data may not be immediately purged from Google servers. Google uses automatic technologies to erase personally identifiable information from selected chats, which are then saved by Google for up to three years after you delete them from your Bard Activity.
Sharing Bard conversations
It's important to note that any Bard conversation you have with others may be indexed by Google Search.
To remove shared Bard links, follow these steps:
- In the top right corner, select Settings.
- Click on "Your public links."
- To stop internet sharing, click the trash symbol. Google has said that it is working to keep shared chats from being indexed by Search.
Privacy of Gmail and Google docs conversations
Google claims that Gmail and Google Docs interactions are never subject to human scrutiny. As a result, despite your Bard Activity settings, no one will access your emails or papers. However, it is unclear how Google would use your data and interactions to train its algorithm or future chatbot iterations.
When it comes to location data, Bard gives users the option of sharing their precise location. Even if you choose not to share your actual location, Bard will have a fair idea of where you are.
According to Google, location data is collected in order to give relevant results to your queries. This data is collected via your IP address, which reveals your geographical location, as well as any personal addresses kept in your Google account. Google claims to anonymize this data by combining it with information from at least 1,000 other users within a 2-mile radius.
While Google does not provide an easy solution to opt out of Bard's location monitoring, you can conceal your IP address by using a VPN. VPNs are available for both desktop computers and mobile devices.
In the age of artificial intelligence and smart technology, it is critical to be mindful of the data we share and to take measures to safeguard our privacy. The features of Google Bard are undeniably wonderful, but users should proceed with caution and examine their choices when it comes to data storage and location tracking.
By following the above tips and tactics, you can maintain control over your interactions with Google Bard and reap the benefits of this breakthrough AI chatbot while protecting your personal information.
