AI Systems Like Grok, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini Utilize Your Data for Artificial Intelligence Education
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, understanding how user data is used to shape AI models is becoming increasingly important. Here's a breakdown of the data policies of some popular AI platforms:
ChatGPT (OpenAI) uses user prompts, files, images, and audio for enhancing its services, including model training. OpenAI offers an opt-out process for users who prefer to prevent their data from being used for training.
Grok (xAI) uses user prompts, responses, and interactions to improve its AI models. Deleted conversations in Grok are typically removed within 30 days, unless retained for safety or legal reasons. For X users, there's a separate toggle in X's settings to control Grok data sharing.
Gemini (Google) integrates seamlessly with Google's ecosystem and uses chats, recordings, files, images, feedback, and related data for improving machine-learning technologies. Google coarsens location data for privacy and retains chats for only 72 hours if activity tracking is off. Human reviewers might process data in Gemini, and it offers multiple privacy controls, including turning off Gemini Apps Activity at myactivity.google.com/product/gemini.
Claude (Anthropic) requires users to opt-in to allow their prompts, responses, and coding sessions to train future models. Starting September 28, 2025, all Claude users (except business customers) will be required to decide whether their conversations can be used to improve AI models; if consented, data will be stored for up to five years to enhance performance and security. If you don't accept the new terms by September 28, 2025, you'll lose access to Claude.
Perplexity uses user interactions (questions, prompts, outputs) for improving services, including AI models, but excludes email data from training. Users can opt out through the settings page if logged in or request account deletion by emailing [email protected], with deletion completed within 30 days. Enterprise users on API or Enterprise Pro plans are subject to stricter controls outlined in a Data Processing Addendum.
Perplexity AI uses user data for research purposes and offers an opt-out option. No further details were provided regarding this point.
For work or school accounts, different terms apply via the Generative AI in Google Workspace Privacy Hub.
Regularly visiting official sites (x.ai for Grok, openai.com for ChatGPT, anthropic.com for Claude, perplexity.ai for Perplexity, and gemini.google.com for Gemini) is important to stay informed about policy changes. Understanding how user data shapes AI models empowers users to make informed choices about their privacy.
