In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, chatbots have become ubiquitous, offering users seamless interactions across various platforms. However, a recent analysis has shed light on the extensive data collection practices of these AI-driven assistants, raising significant privacy concerns.
According to a report by SC Media, Meta AI tops the list by collecting 32 out of 35 possible data points from its users. This includes sensitive information such as contact details, financial data, user-generated content, usage patterns, diagnostics, and precise location data. Such comprehensive data harvesting positions Meta AI as the most aggressive among widely used AI chatbots in terms of user data collection.
Following closely is Google Gemini, which also exhibits extensive data collection practices. Other notable chatbots include Poe, Claude AI, and Microsoft Copilot. Notably, both Meta AI and Microsoft Copilot gather user identity-linked information to display third-party advertisements, highlighting a direct monetization of user data.
The analysis further reveals that Poe, Copilot, and Jasper not only collect user data but also engage in user tracking. Poe and Copilot, in particular, have been found to share device IDs with data brokers, amplifying concerns about user privacy and data security.
Chinese AI platform DeepSeek, while ranking sixth in data collection, has raised alarms due to its prolonged data storage policies and the location of its servers in China. Researchers caution that chats stored on servers are perpetually at risk of breaches, emphasizing the need for users to remain vigilant about where and how their data is stored.
These findings underscore the pressing need for transparency and stringent data privacy measures in the deployment and use of AI chatbots. As these tools become more integrated into daily life, users must be informed about the extent of data collection and the potential implications for their privacy.
Source: SC Media Most user data hungry AI chatbots identified
