“Why AI chatbots are becoming a threat to your privacy: The dangers of sharing geolocation data”

Privacy Experts Caution Against Sharing Geolocation Data with AI Chatbots

A growing trend in data collection by large language models, such as Google’s artificial intelligence chatbot Bard and OpenAI’s ChatGPT, has raised concerns among privacy experts. Both chatbots have been requesting precise geolocation data, which has led to potential privacy harms. This includes the potential for law enforcement to subpoena the data, which could be used in criminal cases related to access to abortions and even stalking.

The issue highlights the unregulated nature of the AI industry and the importance of consumers being vigilant when sharing personal data with chatbots and other AI models.

The Risks of Sharing Location Data with AI Models

Sharing any form of personal data with generative AI models can be risky, according to experts. In addition to precise geolocation data, these models can collect IP address data, revealing geolocation information to some degree. The abuse or breach of geolocation data can lead to a variety of harmful outcomes.

Large technology companies such as Google, which collects data on its maps and search products, aim to use geolocation data to improve their machine learning technologies, including Google’s enterprise products such as Google Cloud. However, privacy experts caution that these AI models, which are less than a year old, are largely unregulated and opaque to consumers and lawmakers. This situation has left regulators scrambling to figure out how these models coexist with privacy regulations.

Data Control Features for Users

In response to the security concerns, OpenAI introduced data control features in April, giving users the ability to turn off chat history. Google Bard also allows users to review and delete their chat history. While these features provide some privacy protections, privacy experts are still cautious about the capabilities of these AI models and what data they are collecting and sharing with third parties, including law enforcement.

The Need for Increased Awareness and Vigilance

Experts caution against sharing any form of personal data with generative AI models. Users should be wary of models that collect personal data beyond their input and account information. They should also avoid models that use data for any purposes beyond providing an output or potentially improving the model.

Concerns surrounding the collection of geolocation data also highlight the heightened competition amongst the AI industry’s big technology companies, which could lead to even more data collection on consumers. The nascent regulations around large language models urge regulators to issue warning shots to the industry while supporting increased awareness and vigilance amongst consumers.

In conclusion, it is essential for users to be cautious when sharing personal data with AI models and to be aware of the risks of sharing geolocation data with chatbots. As the industry grapples with its nascent regulations, it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of the capabilities and limitations of these AI models.