Tech Companies and Your Private Data

Leading tech companies are engaged in a rapid race to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) products, raising concerns for users in the United States regarding the extent of personal data that may be utilized for training these AI tools. Companies like Meta, Google, and LinkedIn have launched AI app features that can potentially access users’ public profiles or email data, which leaves many questioning their privacy.

Meta’s Approach to AI and User Data

Meta, which owns platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, is facing scrutiny over its AI practices. Despite offering no option for users to opt out of AI features, it was noted that beginning December 16, 2025, the company will implement a new policy impacting how it customizes content and advertisements based on user interactions with its AI tools. Critics have raised alarms that this may lead to extensive harvesting of user data, with claims circulating that every conversation, photo, and message will be fed into its AI systems.

However, it’s essential to clarify that while Meta collects user-generated content from public profiles, it maintains that private messages from Instagram, WhatsApp, or Messenger are not utilized to train its AI models. Notably, the company states it does not engage users’ private information for profit but will leverage public content along with information from conversations about interests to tailor suggestions and ads.

The platform does not permit users to deactivate its AI capabilities entirely, adding to concerns over how user data may be indirectly utilized, especially regarding individuals who do not hold Meta accounts but may be referenced in public posts.

Google’s Data Access and User Rights

Moving to Google, the situation presents another layer of complexity. Google recently announced its Gemini Deep Research tool, which can link to various Google products like Gmail. As of November 5, users must provide explicit permission for Gemini to access their private data, including emails and attachments, which counters claims from social media posts suggesting that Google has unrestricted access to all Gmail accounts.

Moreover, ongoing legal challenges regarding Google’s privacy practices spotlight the implications of recent policy changes that many argue could violate established privacy laws by enabling default access to sensitive user content.

LinkedIn’s Usage of Data for AI

LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, also announced that they would start using user data for AI training as of November 3, with assurances that this data does not involve private messages. Nevertheless, users concerned about how their profile information may be leveraged can opt out of data collection for AI models directly through their privacy settings, highlighting an approach aimed at maintaining user agency over their data.

Navigating Data Privacy Rights

Across these platforms, a common theme emerges: the opaque nature of data collection creates a landscape fraught with confusion for users. Krystyna Sikora, a research analyst, noted that in the absence of comprehensive federal data privacy laws in the U.S., individuals often lack a standardized legal framework that protects their privacy rights in the same manner as users in countries with robust regulations. Thus, individuals are encouraged to diligently read terms and conditions to safeguard their data.

As tech companies continue to evolve their AI offerings, the imperative for transparency and user autonomy in data usage cannot be overstated. Users are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in understanding their privacy rights in the digital age.