How to block the use of personal data to train AI

How to prevent Google from using personal search data to train AI.

Google has implemented a tool called Search Services History, which allows it to store more types of data from users' search activity. Beyond just regular search keywords, Google can also save images uploaded to Google Lens, images used in search results, audio files from audio searches, and more. This data can then be used to improve and train Google's AI models if users don't actively disable this feature.

Turn off media saving on Google.

You can access Google's activity page using the link below.

https://myactivity.google.com

Next, click on the "Search Services Usage Log" section to make adjustments.

Then, turn off the "Save audio-visual content" option so that you don't save the media files used in your search.

After disabling:

1. Google will not save images uploaded to Google Lens.
2. Do not save recordings of voice search.
3. Do not save multimedia data used for AI search.

Completely turn off Google search.

We'll turn off Search Service Usage Logs . Click the On button and select Off so Google will no longer save your data, or Turn Off and delete activity to proceed to delete your past search activity.

Tap "I understand" to confirm disabling usage logs for Google search services.

Turn off personalized recommendations on Google.

Even if your search history is saved, you can prevent Google from using that data to personalize content.

Also in the Search Services Usage Log interface , scroll down and tap Personalize Search services .

Now, click the "Post" button to turn off personalized suggestions, as shown below.

Then:

1. Reduce the level of personalization of results.
2. Restrict recommendations based on operational history.
3. Reduced ad targeting capabilities.

What happens when you turn off those settings?

After disabling these features, Google will no longer:

1. Save the new search data.
2. Save the uploaded image to Google Lens.
3. Save the voice recording.
4. Utilize new data for AI.

However, you also need to know:

1. Some previously processed data may still exist due to Google's storage policy.
2. Personalized experiences may be reduced.
3. Intelligent suggestions will be less accurate.

Block data usage on ChatGPT

On ChatGPT, click your profile picture, then select Settings -> Data Controls . Turn off the "Improve the model for everyone " option to prevent future conversations from being used for training. You can also use Temporary Chats, which doesn't store data, or use conversations for training. However, there are a few caveats. For example, if you provide feedback on a conversation using like/dislike icons, the entire conversation may be used for training, even if you've turned this setting off in Data Controls. Additionally, ChatGPT temporarily stores each conversation to monitor for abusive behavior and ensure safety.

Block the use of personal data on Gemini.

If you're using Gemini, opting out is simple: Go to Settings and help -> Activity , then click Turn Off in the Keep Activity drop-down menu . Once enabled, Gemini will save new conversations for up to 72 hours, but they won't be used for training. You can also delete old activity using the Delete Activity option on the same page. However, this won't affect previous conversations that have been marked for manual review – data from those conversations can be retained for up to 3 years, according to the Gemini app's Privacy Hub .

Short usage of personal data on Claude

Claude uses your conversations and programming sessions to improve its model. To disable this feature, click on your profile picture, then go to Settings -> Privacy and turn off the "Help improve Claude for everyone" option . Unlike ChatGPT and Gemini, once you opt out of improving Claude, your past information will not be used to improve the model. Also, if you want a specific conversation not to be used for model training, simply delete it. Remember, if you provide feedback on an answer, the entire conversation will be saved and used to improve the model, even if you've turned off the " Help improve Claude for everyone" option .

Creative tools also use your work.

Ensure your original designs are not used to train the AI.

Software design providers, Adobe and Figma, use your data and content to improve their AI models.

In the case of Adobe, any content uploaded to the Adobe Stock marketplace is used to train AI. Files stored on Adobe Creative Cloud may be analyzed to improve Adobe software, but they will not be used in the model training process. This does not apply to files stored locally. So, if you don't want Adobe to use your work to train AI, don't upload it to the Adobe Stock marketplace. If you want to opt out of content analysis, you can do so by visiting Adobe's privacy policy page and turning off " Content analysis for product improvement ".

Figma uses your content and usage data to improve its AI features. Content data includes text, images, comments, annotations, layer names, layer attributes, etc., that you have created or uploaded to Figma. Usage data, on the other hand, relates to how you use and access Figma. To opt out of this, go to the AI ​​tab on the Figma Settings page and turn off Content improvement .

Social media platforms are training AI using your posts.

LinkedIn allows you to turn this feature off, but Meta needs to do better.

AI companies aren't the only ones using your data to train their models. LinkedIn and Meta are also using your posts and other information to improve their AI models.

LinkedIn data—such as posts and images—is used to train their AI models for content creation, but not for AI-based personalization, safety, and anti-abuse models. You can opt out by turning off the Data for Generative AI improvement feature in the Data Privacy tab under Settings . This only applies to future posts and content.

Meta is the worst culprit when it comes to controlling your data to train AI. All your public posts and interactions on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads are used to train Meta AI , and there's virtually nothing you can do to stop it. You can submit an objection form—requiring a disturbing amount of personal information—to request that your data not be used to train Meta AI, but acceptance depends on your country's data protection laws.

Most AI platforms automatically exclude business user data from the model training process. This should also apply to regular users.