One of the hottest online topics across the U.S. today is how to prevent technology companies from using personal data to train artificial intelligence (AI) or for other less-than-pleasant purposes. According to The Washington Post, a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding PayPal’s collection of user data for advertising has sparked significant debate among internet users over the past month.
The workplace social platform LinkedIn faced backlash after it was reported that the company had been using posts made by its users to train AI. Some celebrities even took to Instagram to voice their opposition against Meta’s AI supercomputer using their posts without permission.
The report outlines several proactive measures individuals can take to protect their personal information:
– **Opt Out Where Possible**: PayPal offers users the ability to disable the “Personalized Shopping” feature under the data and privacy options, limiting how their spending behavior is used for advertising. However, Meta’s use of user-generated public posts for AI training cannot be avoided by users. Conversations users have with Meta AI chatbots on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp may also be used for AI training. While there is no way to opt out, users can delete their chat history with the bots.
– **Use Privacy-Focused Browsers or Web Add-Ons**: Browsers such as Apple’s Safari, Firefox, Brave, and Tor Browser provide features to prevent cookie tracking. Consumers can also download the “Privacy Badger” extension offered by the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy advocacy group.
– **Delete Less Frequently Used Apps**: Removing unused applications from your phone can enhance privacy. Visiting a company’s website is often more secure than using its app if you don’t use it regularly.
– **Take Five Minutes to Review and Adjust Privacy Settings**: For those using Google, you can visit myaccount.google.com, click on “Data & Privacy,” and under “History Settings,” select “Web & App Activity” to turn it off.
– **Support Strengthened Privacy Laws at the State Level**: Although the U.S. has yet to implement a nationwide data privacy law, 19 states have passed relevant legislation.
As concerns about data privacy continue to grow, these steps can help individuals retain a degree of control over their personal information in a digital world.
