AI Chatbots Collect and Track User Data
AI Chatbots Collect and Track User Data
Recent data from Surfshark, a well-known VPN provider, uncovered that Google Gemini is the most data-intensive AI chatbot app. DeepSeek, however, comes in fifth out of the 10 most popular applications.
The Research
The researchers analyzed the privacy details of the following chatbots that are the most popular on the Apple App Store: ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Perplexity, DeepSeek, Grok, Jasper, Poe, Claude, and Pi. Then, they compared the types of data each application collects, whether it collects any data linked to its users, and whether the app includes third-party advertisers.
Results
The investigation led the researchers to determine that Google Gemini collects significantly more personal data than its competitors. The app gathers 22 out of 35 user data types, including highly sensitive data like location data, user content, the device’s contacts list, and browsing history. Ultimately, it far outpaces the data collected by the other popular chatbots included in the study.
Other Chatbots’ Data Collection
Only Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity were found to collect precise location data, but about 30% of the chatbots were found to share sensitive user data, like location data and browsing history, with third parties such as data brokers.
Thirty percent of these chatbots also track user data. In particular, Copilot, Poe, and Jasper collect data to track their users, which means that the user data collected from the app is linked with third-party data for the purpose of targeted advertising or ad measurement metrics.
DeepSeek’s Data Collection
The controversial DeepSeek R1 model lies in the middle, so it’s not the best, but not the worst. It collects an average of 11 unique data types and predominantly gathers contact information, user content, and diagnostics.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that Google Gemini is the most data-intensive AI chatbot app, collecting significantly more personal data than its competitors. DeepSeek, on the other hand, lies in the middle, collecting an average of 11 unique data types. The study highlights the importance of understanding the data collection practices of AI chatbots and the risks associated with their use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Google Gemini?
A: Google Gemini is a popular AI chatbot app that collects 22 out of 35 user data types, including highly sensitive data like location data, user content, the device’s contacts list, and browsing history.
Q: What is DeepSeek?
A: DeepSeek is a popular AI chatbot app that collects an average of 11 unique data types, including contact information, user content, and diagnostics.
Q: Why are AI chatbots collecting so much data?
A: AI chatbots are collecting data to improve their performance, provide personalized experiences, and deliver targeted advertising. However, this raises concerns about user privacy and data security.
Q: What can I do to protect my privacy when using AI chatbots?
A: To protect your privacy, always read the chatbot’s privacy policy, be cautious when providing personal data, and consider using a VPN to secure your online activities.
