Gemini AI Platform Under Fire for Unauthorized Scanning of Google Drive Files

Tech & AI | July 16, 2024, 4:33 a.m.

Google's Gemini AI has come under fire for allegedly scanning PDF files on Google Drive without permission, bringing important AI safety and privacy concerns to the forefront. Senior Advisor Kevin Bankston raised alarm over Gemini AI generating a summary of his private tax return without consent. Despite efforts to disable the feature, Bankson struggled to find the right controls within Google Drive, indicating potential issues with user data handling. While Google claims not to use Workspace data for training or ads, Bankson suspects his participation in Workspace Labs may have influenced Gemini's behavior. The incident underscores the need for consent and user control as AI technology evolves. Google assures users that their generative AI features prioritize user choice and data privacy, requiring proactive user activation to operate. This incident serves as a cautionary tale as AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday products.