A new topic of debate has emerged on the internet: Does Google’s Gemini chatbot scan PDF files stored on Google Drive without user consent? Kevin Bankston, a privacy activist and Facebook’s Director of Privacy Policy, raised the claim.
In a post on the X platform, Bankston stated that Google’s practice could violate users’ privacy rights. Has Google made any statement on this issue? Here are all the details.
Background to the allegations
Kevin Bankston claims that Google’s Gemini AI service collects information by scanning PDF files in Drive without users’ consent. Bankston finds this particularly problematic for privacy-sensitive users like himself. However, Google denies these allegations, saying that it ensures that users remain in control of their data. Google says users must actively enable Gemini, and even if enabled, the content is only used under privacy protection to respond to user requests.
Just pulled up my tax return in @Google Docs–and unbidden, Gemini summarized it. So…Gemini is automatically ingesting even the private docs I open in Google Docs? WTF, guys. I didn't ask for this. Now I have to go find new settings I was never told about to turn this crap off.
— Kevin Bankston (@KevinBankston) July 10, 2024
Google’s response and details
In response to these allegations, Google says that its productive AI features are designed to give users choices and put them in control of their data. It emphasizes that to use Gemini in Google Workspace, the user must proactively enable it and that the content is not used unless it is done. He also notes that even when enabled, content is only summarized to respond to user requests but not stored.
Despite these claims, Bankston says some users may have misunderstood or accidentally enabled the required settings. He suggests that this causes PDF files to be scanned in Google Drive. However, Google says this is unlikely to happen and that they are working diligently to ensure the security of users’ data.
While Bankston has alleged that Google’s Gemini AI service scans PDF files stored in Google Drive without user authorization, Google denies these allegations. The company says it works meticulously on the security and privacy of users’ data and that no unauthorized actions have been taken.
It is emphasized that users should consider Google’s statements and be confident about the security of their data. However, the fact that such allegations are on the agenda again shows that users need to increase their sensitivity and awareness about privacy.
Featured image credit: Google
