Smart Home & AI
AI Assistants and Your Privacy
The new wave of AI assistants is far more capable, and far more data-hungry. What you type or say usually goes to a server and may be used to train the model. Here is how to use them sensibly.
What AI Assistants Send to the Cloud
Unlike a simple voice timer, generative assistants send your full request to powerful servers. That conversation may be stored, reviewed by humans for quality, and used to train future models, unless you opt out.
Turn Off Training and Manage History
ChatGPT
Stop model trainingSettings → Data Controls → turn off Improve the model for everyone. You can also use Temporary Chat for one-off questions.
Gemini
Turn off activitymyactivity.google.com → Gemini Apps Activity → turn off and auto-delete.
Copilot / Alexa+
Check data settingsReview each service's privacy or data settings and turn off training and saved history where offered.
Don't Tell It Your Secrets
- Never paste passwords, card numbers, Social Security numbers, or medical and financial details into a chatbot.
- Do not put confidential work documents into consumer AI tools; use the approved enterprise version if your job provides one.
- Assume anything you type could be stored or seen by a reviewer.
Voice Assistants on Your Phone
- Siri does much of its work on-device; review Settings → Privacy & Security → Analytics and turn off Improve Siri & Dictation.
- For Google Assistant and Gemini on Android, manage history under your Google account activity controls.
Common Questions
Is ChatGPT private?
Your chats may be stored and, by default, used to improve the model. Turning off training and using temporary chats limits that, but never share true secrets.
Do AI assistants listen all the time?
Voice ones listen for a wake word locally, then stream once triggered, like other assistants. Text chatbots only see what you type.
Can I delete my AI chat history?
Yes. Each service has a history or activity page where you can delete past conversations and set auto-delete.
WANT THIS DONE FOR YOU?
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