How to stop Google Bard from tracking your activities

October 31, 2023

3 Mins Read

Did you know that Google Bard has evolved beyond its web-surfing capabilities?

Yes, you read that right. The widely popular AI chatbot is no longer confined to searching the internet for answers. Now, it can delve deep into your Gmail, Docs, and Drive. Whether you’re looking for information present in an old email or a document buried deep inside one of your Drive folders, Bard can find it for you with a mere command.

That’s not all. Since Google is experimenting with AI as part of the next wave of information retrieval, the company has also announced that Bard will connect with Maps, YouTube, and Google Flights. In other words, the chatbot is now integrated into most of Google’s products and services.

However, as this AI integration advances, so does the threat to your online privacy and personal security.

What data does Google Bard collect?

Google Bard is not your typical chatbot. It goes beyond providing scripted responses and utilizes natural language processing, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms to understand and respond to human queries in a conversational manner. Whether you’re seeking information, assistance, or simply engaging in casual conversation, the AI chatbot is designed to adapt and provide meaningful interactions.

However, when engaging with Bard, it’s important to be mindful of the data it collects about you. By default, the chatbot retains a record of every interaction you have with it for a duration of 18 months. This includes the prompts you provide, as well as details like your approximate location, IP address, and any associated physical addresses linked to your Google account.

It’s also crucial to consider the implications of this data retention policy, especially since any conversation may potentially be subject to human review.

How to stop saving your Bard activity?

What most people may not know is that their Bard activity is saved to their Google account. So, if you want to stop Bard from autosaving your prompts and other interactions to enhance your online privacy, here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Open Google Bard.

Step 2: Select the “Bard Activity” card by clicking at the top right of the screen.

Step 3: Turn off Bard Activity.

Please note that even after you turn off your Bard Activity, the AI chatbot will continue storing your activity for up to 72 hours. The activity will be saved with your Google account but won’t appear in your Bard Activity.

How to delete your Bard activity?

Now that you know how to stop Bard from storing your activity, let’s look at how to delete the data it has already saved.

Step 1: Open Google Bard.

Step 2: Click on “Bard Activity” at the top right corner.

Step 3: Select the activity you want to delete.

To delete all your Bard activity, click “Delete” and then select “All time.” On the other hand, if you only want to delete your activity from the last hour of the day, choose “Last hour” or “Last day” above your activity. Google also allows you to delete activity for a specific time period or a specific activity.

How to stop Bard from tracking your location?

We live in an era where online privacy is paramount. Therefore, keeping tabs on who’s accessing your location data is crucial.

While Google doesn’t offer a direct opt-out option for Bard’s location tracking, there are some savvy ways to maintain your digital lifestyle without compromising your online security. One such method involves using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to shield your true IP address and thwart any attempts at unauthorized tracking.

Whether you’re browsing on your trusty PC or on the move with your mobile device, a premium VPN such as PureVPN can be the ultimate privacy partner for you. It not only boosts your digital security but also offers a seamless user experience. With PureVPN in your arsenal, you can confidently navigate the digital landscape, knowing that your location remains a closely guarded secret.

On a final note

As AI chatbots continue to evolve and become more mainstream, so too do the online privacy concerns that accompany them. The convenience and efficiency they offer come hand in hand with questions about the safety of our personal information. It’s crucial to dissect the intricacies of these virtual assistants and empower ourselves with knowledge on how to maintain our digital security.

If you have been using Google Bard for work, personal, or educational purposes, you may want to disable activity logging and use a VPN to reclaim control over your data. Remember, maintaining a balance between personalization and privacy can empower you to navigate the online world without compromising your valuable information.

So, take charge of your digital footprint and protect your online privacy with the simple steps mentioned above.

This brings us to the end of our guide on how to stop Google Bard from storing your data. Stay connected to PureVPN Blog to learn more about the latest AI chatbots and how to safeguard your online security while using them.

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