ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot: Protect Your Private Conversations from AIs

ChatGPT

1. Use ChatGPT without an account
   If you are concerned about the privacy of your conversations with ChatGPT, one solution is to use the service without an account. This means your conversations will not be tracked or recorded. However, this method restricts access to certain advanced features and imposes stricter limits on the number of requests you can submit. For those looking to protect specific discussions, this option may be worth exploring.

2. Opt for a temporary chat
   When you are logged into ChatGPT, you have the option to make a conversation temporary, which prevents it from being recorded in your history. To activate this feature, click on the circular icon "Enable temporary chat" located at the top right of the ChatGPT window. The input field turns black, and an explanatory message appears to inform you how this option works. While you can discuss more personal topics, it is advisable not to share overly sensitive information.

3. Disable AI model training
   OpenAI uses user conversations to refine and improve its ChatGPT model. Even though the data is not directly associated with your name or account, you can choose to disable this feature to prevent personal information from being used. To do this, click on your account name at the bottom of the left panel, select Settings, then go to Data Controls. If the option "Improve the model for everyone" is enabled, turn it off.

4. Be cautious when sharing private conversations
   ChatGPT allows you to share your exchanges via X, LinkedIn, Reddit, or through a direct link. However, as long as the conversation is active, the link remains accessible. It is crucial to weigh the potential risks before sharing a chat, especially if it contains sensitive or personal information.

5. Delete any past conversations
   To ensure that sensitive discussions are no longer accessible, you can delete any past conversations. Click on the ellipsis icon next to the relevant chat and select Delete. Then confirm your choice by clicking Delete again.

Google Gemini

1. Use Gemini in temporary mode
   Google Gemini also offers the option to chat in temporary mode. Your exchanges will not be recorded in the chat history and will not be used to train the AI or personalize your experience. To activate this mode, click on the Temporary Chat button next to New Chat in the left sidebar. Gemini will explain how this mode works. Temporary chats are kept for only 72 hours.

2. Disable AI training
   By default, Google uses your conversations with Gemini to improve the AI. Even if the data is supposed to be anonymized, you may be reluctant to this practice. The only way to prevent AI training on your data is to stop Google from storing and using your previous chats. This means your conversations will not appear in Google’s activity history or in your own chat history.

3. Remove public links to shared conversations
   As with other AIs, you can share a chat. To do this, click on the three-dot icon next to the chat and select Share Conversation. A public link is automatically created. It is advisable to regularly review conversations with public links to delete those you no longer wish to make accessible.

4. Prevent Gemini Live from storing your voice conversations
   With Gemini Live, you can converse with Google's AI by voice. However, the company may use audio recordings of your discussions and any screenshots shared during a live conversation. Some recordings are even sent to human reviewers, albeit anonymously. You can disable this option. Go to Settings and select Activity. If the box is checked for "Improve Google services with your Gemini Live audio and video," uncheck it and click the Disable button to confirm your action.

5. Disable the Personal Intelligence memory feature
   With the Personal Intelligence memory feature enabled, Gemini remembers your past chats and learns from them to better understand your interests, preferences, and other personal details. While this helps the AI tailor its responses to you, you may not want it to remember everything. To disable this, go to Settings and select Personal Intelligence. If the memory switch is enabled, turn it off.

Microsoft Copilot

1. Disable AI training
   Microsoft may use your text and voice conversations as training material for Copilot. If this does not suit you, you can easily disable it. On the Copilot site or in desktop applications, click on your account name at the bottom of the left panel, select Settings, then click on Privacy. In the mobile app for iOS or Android, tap on the three-line icon at the top left, select your account icon at the bottom, choose Account, then click on Privacy. Turn off the switches for "Training on conversation activity" and "Training on voice conversations."

2. Remove links to shared conversations
   You can share a conversation in Copilot in several ways depending on whether you are using the site, one of the desktop applications, or one of the mobile apps. On the site or in one of the desktop applications, click on the ellipsis icon next to the chat you want to share, select Send a Copy from the menu, then click the Copy Link button.

3. Delete a conversation
   Next, you can delete any conversation you no longer wish to keep in Copilot's history. On the site or in one of the desktop applications, click on the ellipsis icon next to the conversation you want to delete, select Delete, then click Delete again to confirm your action. In the iOS or Android app, tap on the conversation, select Delete, then tap on Delete Conversation to confirm the deletion.

4. Disable Copilot memory
   Copilot can remember details from your conversations and the information you share. You may not mind this, as the AI will use this information to personalize its responses. However, Copilot may also be able to collect your data from Bing, MSN, Edge, and other Microsoft products you use. Fortunately, you can disable either of these options.

5. Remove connections to third-party services
   Copilot can connect to third-party services, but you can manage these connections to enhance your privacy.