Google Gemini AI will start using user chats and media for AI training by default from September 2.
Users can turn off the activity tracking on desktop and mobile to prevent their data from being used.
Past Gemini activity can also be deleted, though data remains on servers for up to 72 hours before removal.
Google has officially announced that it is making major privacy changes to the Gemini AI. Starting September 2, the chatbot can impact how your personal data is handled. Taking to the press a mail, Google stated that it will start using “a sample” of user uploads, which include files, photos, videos, and screenshots to train the AI system and products.
SurveyThis new change will coincide with the rebranding of the Gemini Apps Activity setting, which will soon be known as Keep Activity. Unless users manually change their settings, the feature will be enabled by default. This means that the chatbot will automatically receive your personal chats and media files. It calls into question the issues of consent, transparency, and data protection.
But the good news is that you can disable it simply by going to settings. If you want to know, follow the step-by-step instructions based on the device you’re using.
How to disable Gemini activity on the desktop
- Go to Gemini.Google.com and sign in.
- Open the three-bar menu on the left and select Settings and Help.
- Click Activity to open a new settings page.
- Toggle Gemini activity off to prevent training on your conversations.
- For additional privacy, delete past Gemini activity.
It must be noted that even after disabling it, Gemini activity remains on the servers for up to 72 hours before deletion. If you use multiple Google accounts, you will have to repeat the process with each account.
How to disable Gemini activity on mobile
- Open the Gemini app.
- Tap on the account icon at the top right.
- Go to Gemini apps activity.
- Follow the same steps to switch off tracking and delete older data if required.
The setting currently appears as “Gemini Apps Activity”, but Google has said it will soon be renamed “Keep activity” in an upcoming update.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile
