Google Gemini Enhances Privacy with New Features

Google's Gemini, an AI chatbot, is becoming an integral part of the Google ecosystem, but how it interacts with user data continues to evolve. Google's latest announcement reveals significant changes aiming to enhance user experience by allowing Gemini to remember details from past chats for providing better answers. However, users concerned about privacy can now opt for temporary chats to prevent these interactions from being stored.

Earlier, Google introduced a 'personalization' feature in the Gemini model, which utilized users' search history for customized responses. Despite the lackluster reception, Google has reintroduced personalization, this time as 'Personal Context.' When activated, the chatbot remembers your past interactions to tailor its responses, improving relevancy, particularly for recommendations.

While Personal Context can make interactions more engaging, it's not without risks. AI chatbots that are overly familiar might reinforce user misconceptions or foster unrealistic thinking. Thus, users must weigh the benefits against potential drawbacks of using such features, especially given concerns highlighted by recent AI behavior studies.

Initially available with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, Personal Context won't be accessible in the European Union, UK, or Switzerland, and is restricted to users over 18. In forthcoming updates, Google plans to roll out this feature to additional regions and models.

Data Control and Privacy

With the rise of customization in Gemini, users might prudently reconsider their conversations with the AI. Apart from disabling Personal Context, Google introduces 'Temporary Chats,' a feature offering a private mode similar to Incognito. Interactions via Temporary Chats won't influence Personal Context, even if enabled, and are briefly stored on Google's servers to allow users to revisit and build on conversations.

This feature becomes available today, anticipated to reach all users shortly. Users can start a Temporary Chat directly from the Gemini app, ensuring a secure interaction by keeping all data private.

Another key change from Google involves using chat data, including file uploads, to train AI models from September 2. Users who prefer not to have their data used in this manner can opt out via account settings by disabling the revised 'Keep Activity' option or utilizing Temporary Chats.

These new features highlight a significant shift in Google's approach to AI interactions, with a focus on balancing improved personalization with user control over data privacy.