Tech Giants Face Backlash for Secret AI Features
Unveiling Hidden Photo Scanning
Apple and Google have been criticized for quietly adding AI features to their phones without user consent. Apple's "Enhanced Visual Search" scans photos for landmarks, sending data to Apple servers. This sparked outrage among users and security experts, who felt their privacy was violated. Apple's connectivity advancements are impressive, but transparency is key.
Google's Silent SafetyCore Update
Similarly, Google's SafetyCore update adds on-device image scanning to Android phones. While Google claims data remains on the device, the silent rollout has raised concerns. Google's February system update included this feature without explicit notification. Critics question Google's transparency and the potential for future misuse. Long-term Android updates are valuable, but not at the cost of user trust.
Privacy Concerns and User Backlash
The lack of transparency fuels distrust. Even if features are designed for privacy, secret implementation raises doubts about potential data collection and reporting. The closed-source nature of SafetyCore further amplifies these concerns.
Disabling Photo Scanning in Google Photos
- Open Google Photos.
- Go to settings via your profile picture.
- Tap "Photos settings."
- Tap "Group similar faces."
- Toggle off "Face grouping."
The Importance of Transparency
Both Apple and Google must prioritize transparency when introducing AI features. Giving users control and choice is crucial for building and maintaining trust. Secretly adding features erodes user confidence and raises questions about data privacy.