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As people become more cautious about how they interact with artificial intelligence, some tech companies are introducing new features to give users more control over what personal information AI models can save and what they can’t.
Cybersecurity experts have long advised people to approach every online interaction with caution, being mindful of any information you upload and redacting as many personal details as possible.
Some tech companies are now offering more control features to assure customers their data is protected.
Google’s new “Save Media” feature is one example.
“Save Media” lets users choose whether media from their search interactions is saved to their Google Search history, including files like photos, documents, audio and video.
“Save Media” appears as an additional setting in existing Google privacy controls when you’re signed in. You can turn it on or off and review and delete saved files.
However, the feature does not provide blanket protection. Just like the name implies, it’s for specific media files only. Broader privacy controls are still managed through Google’s Search Services settings.
Google makes it clear that any saved media may be used to develop and train its AI models and improve other services.
Saved Media doesn’t include any content you make or modify with AI or publicly shared media, like a photo posted with a restaurant review.
Google’s new feature is just one setting on one search engine. The Federal Trade Commission offers expanded tips on how to protect your data, no matter where you interact online.
