In a paradigm-shifting move, Google has unveiled updates to its privacy policy, signaling a significant shift in its approach to artificial intelligence (AI) training. The search giant now explicitly states its intention to utilize publicly available information for the purpose of training its diverse suite of AI products and services.
The policy revisions, which were rolled out on July 1, can be meticulously scrutinized by comparing them with earlier iterations, accessible through a link thoughtfully provided on the website’s dedicated update page.
Upon careful examination, the latest version reveals notable alterations, most notably the incorporation of Google’s cutting-edge AI models, Bard and Cloud AI capabilities, into the repertoire of services eligible for training. These advancements are made possible through the utilization of “information that’s publicly available online” or obtained from “other public sources.”
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This bold update signifies Google’s commitment to transparency, ensuring both the general public and its loyal user base are well-informed about the potential inclusion of any content disseminated publicly online into the training processes underpinning their current and future AI systems.
Coincidentally, Google’s announcement comes hot on the heels of a consequential class-action lawsuit filed against OpenAI, the renowned developer behind the immensely popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT. The lawsuit alleges OpenAI’s illicit acquisition of private information through web scraping, including millions of comments from social media platforms, blogs, Wikipedia, and other sources, all without securing the necessary consent. By doing so, OpenAI stands accused of violating the copyright and privacy rights of countless internet users.
In a separate but intriguing development, recent alterations to Twitter’s access restrictions, predicated upon user account verification status, have sparked widespread speculation regarding the influence of AI data scraping. According to internal documents, Twitter instituted rate limits as a measure to effectively manage the overwhelming volume of requests submitted via its application program interface.
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Even Elon Musk, the prominent entrepreneur and former CEO of Twitter, alluded to this issue, expressing his concerns via a tweet that highlighted the adverse impact of excessive data pillaging on the platform’s service quality for regular users.
Temporary emergency measure. We were getting data pillaged so much that it was degrading service for normal users!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 30, 2023
By revamping its privacy policy, Google is not only establishing a benchmark for ethical data acquisition but also embracing a forward-thinking stance to ensure responsible and principled AI training practices. As the tech landscape evolves, it becomes increasingly paramount to strike a delicate balance between innovation and privacy rights, and Google’s recent move indicates a commendable step in the right direction. With the broader implications of these developments yet to fully materialize, it is certain that the interplay between privacy, data scraping, and AI will continue to captivate both industry insiders and the wider public in the foreseeable future.
