Google Gemini Introduces Personal Context and Privacy Features, Raising Questions About AI Data Usage

Google Gemini will now learn from your chats -- unless you tell it not to

As Gemini is increasingly woven into the fabric of Google, the way the chatbot accesses and interacts with your data is in a constant state of flux. Today, Google is announcing several big changes to how its AI adapts to you, giving it the ability to remember more details about your chats for improved answers. If that's a concern, Google also has a new temporary chat option that won't affect the way Gemini thinks about you. You might recall several months back when Google added a "personalization" option to the Gemini model selector. This mode leaned on your Google search history to customize responses, a feature that did not seem to appeal to many Gemini users. Google later dropped that mode, but a new attempt at customization is now rolling out. Gemini is getting an option called Personal Context. When enabled, the chatbot will remember details about your past conversations, adapting its replies without being specifically prompted. Google claims Personal Context will produce more relevant responses, particularly when you ask the chatbot to make recommendations. This is separate from the saved instructions feature, which allows you to provide explicit instructions for Gemini to be used in crafting outputs. This does have the potential to make Gemini feel more engaging, but that's not always a good thing. AI chatbots that get too friendly with the user can reinforce misconceptions and lead to delusional thinking, something we've seen distressingly often with AI models. To start, this feature will be available with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, but you won't get customization in the Eurpean Union,the UK, or Switzerland. It's also limited to users over the age of 18. Google says it will eventually release this feature in additional regions and with support for the more efficient Gemini 2.5 Flash model. You can turn Personal Context on and off at will from the main settings page.

Gemini Is Going to Start Learning More About You. Here's How to Turn That Off

The more you chat with Google's Gemini, the better it will get to know you, thanks to a new learning feature in the generative AI chatbot, Google announced Wednesday. Gemini has already been able to recall past conversations if you ask it to, but new functionality will allow it to learn your preferences and interact with you in more personalized ways, Google said. And if you don't want an AI to learn about you, you can turn it off. AI chatbots have seen their memories grow longer this year. Other tools, like OpenAI's ChatGPT and xAI's Grok, also offer forms of memory, allowing you to refer to older conversations or save certain information for future reference. Things like your name, or what city you live in (so it doesn't give you restaurant recommendations in Denver when you live in Miami). But these memory features come with their own problems -- personalization can change the behavior and output as a large language model tries to do what it thinks you want rather than what you ask it to do. You also may not want it to save (and regurgitate) private or sensitive information. The Gemini app will default to saving information about you and learning from it. When that feature is turned on, it'll remember things you share and incorporate them into how it answers future prompts. Unlike the previous memory feature, you won't have to specifically ask it to do this; it'll do it on its own. That feature will begin rolling out Wednesday, starting with the 2.5 Pro model in select countries and expanding to 2.5 Flash in the coming weeks. Read more: AI Essentials: 29 Ways You Can Make Gen AI Work for You, According to Our Experts You can turn off the feature by going to Settings in the Gemini app and toggling off the features under "Personal context." You can also delete certain chats from its memory. If you plan to have a conversation you don't want to be saved, but you'd prefer not to turn the feature completely off, you can create a Temporary Chat. Think of it like browsing in an incognito window -- it won't be saved in the long-term memory and you won't have to hear Gemini talk about it again. You'll also be able to control whether a sample of uploads to Gemini can be used by Google to improve services. The setting currently labeled "Gemini Apps Activity" will be renamed "Keep Activity," and you can turn the setting off or use Temporary Chats to ensure your conversations won't be shared with Google.

3 new ChatGPT-like upgrades come to Google Gemini - why they're worth trying

Google also added new data control settings you'll want to look at now. You can now reference your past chats with Google's Gemini AI chatbot for more personalized responses, the company said Wednesday. Google also gave Gemini Temporary Chat for added privacy and new data control settings. Everyone, including free users, can take advantage of the features in the Gemini app. Also: Why Perplexity is going after Google Chrome - and yes, it's serious While every major AI company is constantly racing to release the latest and greatest AI models, sometimes the most impactful updates are actually the less flashy features that improve the chatbot using experience. These new Gemini features aim to make users' lives easier in ways ChatGPT already has. Keep reading below to find out how to access the features (and if you should). AI is only as helpful as the information it is given. As a result, prompt engineering -- or creating a prompt for a chatbot that has as much specific information as possible to make it produce a higher-quality response -- is a huge part of using a chatbot successfully. However, this can often be a time-consuming process, especially if you're working on something longer-term; re-explaining your context every time can be tedious. Also: GPT-5 was meant to cut choices, but OpenAI just added multiple modes - why? Now, Gemini can reference your past conversations to learn more about you over time and produce more personalized answers. All this means is that if you shared details about your preferences or your life, Gemini can then reference those details in your future response. For example, if I disclose I have a 15-pound Yorkie in one conversation, and in another I ask what games I should play with my dog, it will already take into account his breed and weight without me having to repeat myself. It works the same way as ChatGPT's Memory feature, which rolled out in April. Anthropic's Claude also got the capability this week. The feature is being rolled out to users in the coming weeks, beginning today. Google shares that the experience is first limited to the 2.5 Pro model in select countries, and that it will expand the feature to 2.5 Flash in the weeks ahead. It is important to note that the feature is on by default, but if you don't want Gemini to remember or reference your past conversations, you can turn the setting off in your Settings. To do so, in the Gemini app, visit "Settings," "Personal context," and "Your past chats with Gemini," where you can toggle the setting on and off, as seen in the image below. Specific interactions with the chatbot can also be managed and deleted from your conversations in Gemini Apps Activity. More on that below. Temporary Chat is one of my favorite features in ChatGPT, and now it is finally available in Gemini. The feature is simple: whenever you want to have a conversation with Gemini that you don't want it to recall at a later date or be saved to your history, all you have to do is click the Temporary Chat icon next to "New chat." It is the same concept behind turning on Incognito mode in Google Chrome or Private Window in Safari. When Temporary Chat is on, your conversation won't appear in your recent chats or Gemini Apps Activity, meaning it will not be used to train Google's AI models. The downside is that it won't be used to personalize your Gemini experience (the feature listed above), but it does give you peace of mind that your conversation isn't going to be referenced. The feature is also rolling out today and will be available all users in the coming weeks. In the upcoming weeks, Google will rename the "Gemini Apps Activity" to "Keep Activity." When this setting is toggled on, a sample of your uploads, starting on September 2, will be used to "help improve Google services for everyone." If you don't want your data used that way, you can turn the setting off or use the Temporary Chats option. For instructions on how to turn the setting off, you can visit Google's step-by-step guide. If you currently have your "Gemini Apps Activity" off, even when the switch to "Keep Activity" happens, it will stay off. As a result, if privacy means a lot to you, I would recommend making the switch now.

Gemini just got two of ChatGPT's best features - and they're free

Google also added new data control settings you'll want to look at now. You can now reference your past chats with Google's Gemini AI chatbot for more personalized responses, the company said Wednesday. Google also added a Temporary Chat feature and new data control settings. Everyone, including free users, can take advantage of the features in the Gemini app. Also: You can try Gemini Live in your favorite Google apps now, and it blew me away While every major AI company is constantly racing to release the latest and greatest AI models, sometimes the most impactful updates are actually the less flashy features that improve the chatbot using experience. These new Gemini features aim to make users' lives easier in ways ChatGPT already has. Keep reading below to find out how to access the features (and if you should). AI is only as helpful as the information it is given. As a result, prompt engineering -- or creating a prompt for a chatbot that has as much specific information as possible to make it produce a higher-quality response -- is a huge part of using a chatbot successfully. However, this can often be a time-consuming process, especially if you're working on something longer-term; re-explaining your context every time can be tedious. Also: GPT-5 was meant to cut choices, but OpenAI just added multiple modes - why? Now, Gemini can reference your past conversations to learn more about you over time and produce more personalized answers. All this means is that if you shared details about your preferences or your life, Gemini can then reference those details in your future response. For example, if I disclose I have a 15-pound Yorkie in one conversation, and in another I ask what games I should play with my dog, it will already take into account his breed and weight without me having to repeat myself. It works the same way as ChatGPT's Memory feature, which rolled out in April. Anthropic's Claude also got the capability this week. The feature is being rolled out to users in the coming weeks, beginning today. Google shares that the experience is first limited to the 2.5 Pro model in select countries, and that it will expand the feature to 2.5 Flash in the weeks ahead. Also: Why Perplexity is going after Google Chrome - and yes, it's serious It is important to note that the feature is on by default, but if you don't want Gemini to remember or reference your past conversations, you can turn the setting off in your Settings. To do so, in the Gemini app, visit "Settings," "Personal context," and "Your past chats with Gemini," where you can toggle the setting on and off, as seen in the image below. Specific interactions with the chatbot can also be managed and deleted from your conversations in Gemini Apps Activity. More on that below. Temporary Chat is one of my favorite features in ChatGPT, and now it is finally available in Gemini. The feature is simple: whenever you want to have a conversation with Gemini that you don't want it to recall at a later date or be saved to your history, all you have to do is click the Temporary Chat icon next to "New chat." Also: Don't like GPT-5? You can still use GPT-4 and other legacy models in ChatGPT - here's how It is the same concept behind turning on Incognito mode in Google Chrome or Private Window in Safari. When Temporary Chat is on, your conversation won't appear in your recent chats or Gemini Apps Activity, meaning it will not be used to train Google's AI models. The downside is that it won't be used to personalize your Gemini experience (the feature listed above), but it does give you peace of mind that your conversation isn't going to be referenced. The feature is also rolling out today and will be available all users in the coming weeks. In the upcoming weeks, Google will rename the "Gemini Apps Activity" to "Keep Activity." When this setting is toggled on, a sample of your uploads, starting on September 2, will be used to "help improve Google services for everyone." If you don't want your data used that way, you can turn off the setting or use the Temporary Chats option. For instructions on how to turn the setting off, you can visit Google's step-by-step guide. If you currently have your "Gemini Apps Activity" off, even when the switch to "Keep Activity" happens, it will stay off. As a result, if privacy means a lot to you, I would recommend making the switch now.

Your Gemini Uploads Could Soon Be Used for AI Training: Here's How to Opt Out

Not to be outdone by OpenAI and GPT-5, Google rolled out several updates for its Gemini AI this week, including a change to the way it handles user-uploaded content. Google is rebranding the Gemini Apps Activity setting as Keep Activity in the next few weeks. If this setting is turned on, "a sample of your future uploads will be used to help improve Google services for everyone," Google says, starting on Sept. 2. In an email to Gemini users, Google says the changes will apply to "a subset of uploads" and impact the "files, videos, screens you ask about, and photos shared with Gemini," Google says. The email further notes that part of improving Google's services involves the training of its generative AI models. However, for privacy reasons, "we disconnect chats from your account before sending them to service providers," Google clarifies. If you don't want to help Google train its AI models, head to Gemini Settings & help > Activity and select Turn off or Turn off and delete activity from a drop-down menu up top. Google says Temporary Chats won't appear in your recent chats or app activity, "and they won't be used to personalize your Gemini experience or train Google's AI models." You can monitor Gemini data collection via myactivity.google.com/product/gemini, the chatbot's equivalent of browser history. You can delete conversations by applying time filters, like hours, days, or a custom range. Scroll down to Improve Google services with your audio and Gemini Live recordings, which allows Google to use your audio, video, and screen-share recordings for training purposes. Some of these clips are also accessed by human reviewers. Uncheck the box if you don't want that enabled. All the changes you make in the Gemini Apps Activity tab will be automatically applied to Keep Activity whenever that name change happens. It is also worth noting that even if you keep the feature disabled, Google will store your data in your account for up to 72 hours "to provide the service, maintain its safety and security, and process any feedback you choose to provide." Like what you're reading? Don't miss out on our latest stories. Add PCMag as a preferred source on Google.

Gemini will remember more (or less) of what you say

Google is adding a temporary chat feature to Gemini. The equivalent of a browser's incognito mode, it lets you have one-off AI chats. They won't appear in your history, influence future chats or be used for training. The temporary chats will be saved for up to 72 hours. Google says this is to give you time to revisit the chat or provide feedback. The feature begins rolling out today and will continue to do so over the coming weeks. It arrives alongside a new setting that does, well, pretty much the opposite. The Gemini app can now learn from your conversations and remember details and preferences. It may then reference them in future chats. (For example, it might recall a hobby you once mentioned when you later ask it for party theme ideas.) Google added the past chats feature to Gemini Advanced earlier this year. ChatGPT and Claude each have a similar memory option. The memory setting is on by default, so you'll want to tweak your privacy settings as soon as it arrives if you don't want to use it. In the Gemini app, head to Settings > Personal context > Your past chats with Gemini to change it. Speaking of settings, Google is changing the name of its data-retention toggle. What was once "Gemini Apps Activity" is now labeled as "Keep Activity." Despite the semantic change, your previous setting will stick, so you shouldn't need to change this one. Personalized conversations will first launch with Gemini 2.5 Pro in "select countries." It will make its way to 2.5 Flash and more regions in the weeks ahead.

New Gemini features will give the chatbot a better memory, but also selective amnesia

The features are aimed at providing more personalization, as well as privacy for certain chats. Gemini is a powerful AI assistant, but you usually have to remember to save certain chats if you want to reference them later. However, thanks to a new update, the AI assistant will be able to reference your past conversations more easily. At the same time, if you would rather that certain chats weren't saved, Google has introduced a new feature called Temporary Chats. The company announced that the two new features will roll out in the coming weeks. It's important to note that the new setting will be enabled by default, so if you don't want Gemini to remember past chats, you will need to disable it. To do this, you will need to go to your Gemini app settings, select Personal context, and then toggle the setting for Your past chats with Gemini off. The feature will start rolling out to the 2.5 Pro model in certain countries first, with plans to later expand it to the 2.5 Flash model in more countries. If you want to keep the new personal context setting enabled, but are also wary about the AI remembering certain conversations, then Temporary Chats give you a way to get the best of both worlds. These chats don't appear in your Gemini history or app activity and won't be used for personalization or Gemini's training. To create a disappearing conversation, open a new chat and select Temporary chat. These temporary chats are kept for up to 72 hours, after which they disappear. According to Google's support page on the feature, you won't be able to access certain features while using a disappearing chat. These include Gems, connected apps, personalized responses, or the feedback option. Personalization definitely could make chats with Gemini more convenient. The chatbot has also received other handy updates recently, including the ability to save events from your email to your calendar. However, it's also important to note that there's certain sensitive data you should never share with AI bots.

Gemini Is Getting Two New Privacy Features You'll Love

You Can Still Use Your Internet Service During a Power Outage, Here's How Summary Temporary Chats in Gemini disappear after 72 hours, similar to Incognito mode. New "Keep Activity" setting in Gemini allows Google to sample chats for AI training. Privacy tweaks in Gemini offer better control over data retained by Google. The uncomfortable truth about an AI chatbot is the more it knows, the more it can help -- which is the whole point of these things existing. Of course, you may not always want your weird questions to be part of your digital record. Gemini is getting new features for this very reason. "Temporary Chats" in Google's Gemini app is exactly what it sounds like -- a chat that disappears after a certain amount of time. It's essentially Incognito Mode for Gemini. However, this is much better than using an Incognito window. You can still use the premium features of Gemini that would normally be locked away if you were signed out, like uploading files and images. Temporary Chats stick around for 72 hours just in case you have a follow-up, but after that, they're gone. You won't see them again, and they won't influence your future conversations. The next new setting is called "Keep Activity," and it's set to replace the existing "Gemini Apps activity" toggle, which was a bit confusing. Like the old toggle, this new setting will be enabled by default and will allow Google to sample some of your conversations and uploads to train its AI models. This setting is coming to Gemini next month. If you don't want your data used for this purpose, you'll need to turn it off. The good news is that if you had the old "Gemini Apps activity" setting disabled, "Keep Activity" will also be disabled by default. If you need to make the change, you can head into the Gemini app's settings, find the "Personal context" section, and toggle it off. These are nice improvements for Gemini's privacy. Everything you enter into Google -- whether it's an old-fashioned web search or a chat with Gemini -- is being recorded somewhere unless you disable it. However, chats with Gemini tend to go far beyond what you would enter in a Google Search, so the added privacy options are nice to have. Source: Google

Gemini's new Temporary Chats are like Chrome's Incognito mode, but for your chatbot needs

I stopped searching for new music -- YouTube Music's algorithm does it better Google Gemini is learning two new tricks -- tricks that will make former features and workarounds obsolete. Soon after Google rolled out the ability for Gemini Live to tap into integrations like Calendar, Tasks, Keep, and even Google Maps, the tech giant is now giving the AI tool the ability to generate more personalized responses. For reference, back in February this year, Gemini gained the ability to reference past conversations to give you more tailored responses. However, this required you as a user to actively prompt Gemini to recall specific information. That is no longer the case starting today. Google just gave Gemini the ability to learn more about you from your past conversations. The setting, which Google says will evolve over time, "remembers key details and preferences you've shared," will be on by default. Here are some of the examples the tech giant shared: You've previously discussed the evolution of characters' powers in your favorite comic book. Now, if you ask Gemini to brainstorm a birthday party theme that's unique to me, it might suggest a celebration based on your favorite character, complete with themed food and a custom photo booth with props. You've previously used Gemini to brainstorm ideas for a YouTube channel focused on Japanese culture. When you ask for new content ideas based on my interests, Gemini may suggest a video theme like "My First Time Trying..." where you film yourself trying a new Japanese food, a traditional craft (like origami or a tea ceremony) or even a new game from Japan. Similarly, here are some use cases I could personally think of: Let's say you've previously asked Gemini for help to keep your plants alive, sharing common issues you've faced with that Monstera of yours. Now, if you ask Gemini for advice on decorating a new apartment with plants, it might automatically suggest plants that require low maintenance. You've previously told Gemini that you're vegan and don't like dining at restaurants that serve meat, regardless of their vegan menu. Now, if you ask Gemini for restaurant recommendations in a new area, it will only highlight examples that are strictly vegan. Personal Context will be enabled by default, but users can toggle it off by heading into the app's settings. The feature has begun rolling out today. It will be widely visible "over the coming weeks." At first, the feature will only work with Gemini 2.5 Pro, with support for 2.5 Flash to come in the near future. Finally, temporary chats Have a query that you don't want Gemini to reference in your future conversations? Instead of signing out of your account or opening a new Gemini instance in an incognito tab, you can now opt to pose your query in a ChatGPT-like Temporary Chat. Said chats won't appear in your recent chats or Gemini Apps Activity, and, naturally, won't be used to personalize Gemini's responses. Gemini will retain Temporary Chats for up to 72 hours to help you with follow-up queries and "to process any feedback you choose to provide," with them likely appearing in a distinct sidebar when you initiate a new Temporary Chat. Expect Temporary Chats to be widely visible "over the coming weeks." Elsewhere, Google is now looking to use your Gemini chats to "improve Google services for everyone." As ambiguous as that may sound, it essentially means that Google will sample your future uploads and conversations, potentially to train its models. The Apps Activity section will be renamed to Keep Activity, and thankfully, turning it off will prevent Google from sampling your conversations.

Gemini app rolling out 'Temporary Chat' and 'personal context' that learns from past chats

Google's goal is to build a "personal, proactive, and powerful assistant," and Gemini is accomplishing that first tentpole today with "personal context." The Gemini app is also getting a Temporary Chat capability. At I/O, we introduced our vision for the Gemini app: to create an AI assistant that learns and truly understands you -- not one that just responds to your prompt in the same way that it would anyone else's prompt. When you enable personal context, Gemini will "learn from your past conversations over time" by remembering key details and preferences you're previously shared. A similar capability was previously only available for subscribers and requires them to ask Gemini to recall a previous conversation. The end result is "more natural and relevant conversations, as if you're collaborating with a partner who's already up to speed." For example: Once rolled out, there will be a new "Personal context" settings page to replace today's "Saved info" (that functionality remains available) in the account menu. The new "Your past chats with Gemini" toggle is enabled by default, but can be disabled at any time. Personal context is rolling out starting today with Gemini 2.5 Pro in "select countries" for all (free + paid) users. It will be available for 2.5 Flash and more countries (EEA, UK, Switzerland) in the "weeks ahead." In a related development, Temporary Chat lets you have a conversation with Gemini that will not influence future chats. It's like opening Google Search in an Incognito window. For example, you might be exploring private questions or simply brainstorming an idea that's outside your usual style Specifically, Temporary Chats won't appear in your history or Gemini Apps Activity, and "won't be used to personalize your Gemini experience or train Google's AI models." However, "they are kept for up to 72 hours to respond to you and to process any feedback you choose to provide." To access, open the side drawer (which is still rolling out) and tap the new (outlined chat icon) button next to "New chat." This takes you to a thread that says "Temporary chat" instead of the greeting with privacy details. This is rolling out starting today and will be fully available in the coming weeks. Google's final announcement today is a rename of the "Gemini Apps Activity" setting to a more straightforward "Keep Activity." There's also a new setting to control whether "whether the audio, video and screens you share with Gemini through the mic button or Gemini Live are used to improve Google services for everyone." It is disabled by default.

Google Gemini is getting creepier by using your uploads to train AI

Google Gemini is learning all about you, but it wants to learn even more. Google Gemini continues to push the limits of what it knows about you. On Wednesday, Google's big initiative was a way to stop Gemini from learning more about you, while notifying users that content you share with it may be used as a foundation for chats with other users. "In the coming weeks, your 'Gemini Apps Activity' setting will be renamed 'Keep Activity,'" Google said in a blog post. "When this setting is on, a sample of your future uploads will be used to help improve Google services for everyone." Today, Google is allowing Gemini to remember what it knows about you, and this behavior is on by default. "When this setting is on, Gemini remembers key details and preferences you've shared, leading to more natural and relevant conversations, as if you're collaborating with a partner who's already up to speed," Google said. The idea is all about context: The more Google knows about you, the better Gemini can be in making recommendations. Google -- and frankly, most internet services -- have used this argument for years, as a way of pulling more data from you and the services you use, and building an online profile that can be used to serve ads. In an example, Google said Gemini could be used to brainstorm ideas for a YouTube channel based on Japanese culture, suggesting new ideas based on what it knows about your preferences and what you've previously asked Google about. For now, this "personal context" will only be available in the "2.5 Pro" model, with it being added to the default "2.5 Flash" model in the coming weeks, Google said. So what happens if you don't want Gemini to store your weird fondness for Labubus? You can turn off this feature by going to Settings in the Gemini app and selecting "Personal context," then "Your past chats with Gemini," and turning the feature off. If you want Google to be able to "know" you, however -- but have an embarassing or otherwise personal conversation you'd rather Gemini forget about -- Google has also launched what's known as "Temporary Chat." It's pretty easy to equate a "Temporary Chat" with the current Incognito Mode in Google Chrome. The chat won't appear in your list of recent chats or Google Apps activity, and won't be used to "personalize your Gemini experience or train Google's AI models." Google does retain a "temporary chat," but only for 72 hours so that you can exhaust all of your questions. Google's declaration that it will use your uploads to improve Google services for other users is more concerning. Specifically, files and photos uploaded to Gemini will be used to help improve Google services, and it's not clear what this means. Again, the setting is on by default, meaning that you'll have to turn the setting off by going to the "Settings & help" gear icon, then Activity, and then either turning off the feature or turning it off and deleting it. Google doesn't have any problem taking photos and files you upload to enhance Google services, but won't use any audio (speech) that you provide to do so. That setting is off by default. But Google is also rolling out an update that will save Gemini Live recordings, plus video and/or screenshots, in your history. Google now calls this "Gemini Apps Activity," but it's renaming it to "Keep Activity" instead. (This has nothing to do with Google Keep, presumably.) Google may see this transparency as a way to assist consumers who want to manage this privacy, but the renaming and default behavior isn't exactly straightforward. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is the simplest: The easiest way not to risk Google inadvertently sharing or learning things about you -- your insurance plan, your retirement options, your will -- is not to share it with Gemini in the first place. Google may have founded its business on the slogan "Don't be evil," but Gemini is getting a little sinister, regardless.

Google Gemini just closed the gap by adding 'ChatGPT' features -- here's how they work

Google is rolling out a set of updates to Gemini aimed at making the AI assistant feel more personalized while putting stronger privacy controls in users' hands. The new features include chat personalization that allows Gemini to remember details from your past conversations (similar to ChatGPT's memory feature) and tailor its responses accordingly, a Temporary Chat mode for one-off interactions that won't affect future recommendations (also similar to ChatGPT) and updated data settings that make it easier to manage what information is stored and how it's used. Together, these changes are designed to create a more relevant, proactive experience without sacrificing user choice over data and privacy. A new Personal context setting allows Gemini to learn from your previous conversations to deliver more relevant and natural responses. With this feature enabled, the AI can use details from earlier chats, such as your hobbies, past projects, or favorite topics, to shape future suggestions without requiring you to restate them. This personalization is turned on by default and is rolling out first to the 2.5 Pro model for consumer accounts in select countries, with expansion to the 2.5 Flash model and additional regions in the coming weeks. Users can disable it at any time in the app's settings. For those who want to interact with Gemini without affecting future recommendations, Temporary Chat offers a way to start single-use conversations. These chats won't appear in recent history or Gemini Apps Activity, and won't be used to personalize the experience or train Google's AI models. They're stored for up to 72 hours to allow for responses and optional feedback. The feature starts rolling out today and will reach all users in the coming weeks. Google is also renaming its "Gemini Apps Activity" setting to Keep Activity. When enabled, a sample of future uploads, such as files or photos, can be used to improve Google services and train AI models. Users who prefer not to participate can turn the setting off or use Temporary Chats. Additionally, a new control introduced earlier this month lets people decide whether audio, video, and screen shares from the mic button or Gemini Live can be used to improve Google services. This is off by default but can be switched on at any time. These updates bring Gemini closer to Google's goal of making it a more personal, proactive and powerful assistant by allowing the AI to adapt more naturally to each user's preferences and communication style. At the same time, the introduction of Temporary Chat and the revamped data settings give users greater transparency and control over what information is stored and how it's used. The new tools are designed to support both approaches, striking a balance between personalization and user choice.

Google adds limited chat personalization to Gemini, trails Anthropic and OpenAI in memory features

Want smarter insights in your inbox? Sign up for our weekly newsletters to get only what matters to enterprise AI, data, and security leaders. Subscribe Now Google is playing catch-up against Anthropic and OpenAI as it slowly adds customization, personalization and gives users more control over what data to reference to its Gemini app. Personalization and data control in chat platforms make it easier for both individual and enterprise users to converse with the chatbot and retain preferences. This is even more important for ongoing projects in the enterprise space, as chatbots need to remember details such as company branding or voice. Google opted for a slower rollout of these features and will not allow users to edit or delete preferences, unlike its competitors. First rolling out to Gemini 2.5 Pro in select countries, Google will make "Personal Context" a default setting, allowing it to "learn from your past conversations and provide relevant and tailored responses." The company plans to expand the feature to 2.5 Flash in the next few weeks. Previous versions of the app put the burden on customers to point the model to a specific chat to source preferences, for example, by mentioning an earlier conversation. Users can still disable Personal Context at any time. Michael Siliski, senior director of Product Management for the Gemini app, said the rollout is part of plans to make the app more personalized. "At I/O, we introduced our vision for the Gemini app: to create an AI assistant that learns and truly understands you -- not one just responds to your prompt in the same way that it would anyone else's prompt," Siliski said in a blog post. Currently, Gemini apps save chats for up to 72 hours if the save activity option is toggled off and can auto-delete other activity in intervals of three, 18 or 36 months. Temporary chat and data control Other new features coming to the Gemini app are Temporary Chat and additional customer data control. Temporary Chat, a feature also introduced on ChatGPT in April last year, enables users to have one-off conversations. These chats will not influence future ones and won't be used for personalization or to train AI models. Google announced the introduction of additional data controls. The feature, which is off by default, would allow users to prevent their data from being used in future Google model training. "When this setting is on, a sample of your future uploads will be used to help improve Google services for everyone. If you prefer not to have your data used this way, you can turn this setting off or use Temporary Chats. If your Gemini Apps Activity setting is currently off, your Keep Activity setting will remain off, and you can turn it on anytime," Silisky said. Google said this is an expansion of an earlier update that allowed users to choose which audio, video and screens they can share with Gemini. Memory and chatbots Google's Gemini updates come a full year after its biggest competitors introduced similar features. ChatGPT, for example, introduced temporary chat, chat history and memory in 2024. OpenAI updated these capabilities in April of this year, and now ChatGPT can reference all past conversations. Anthropic introduced Styles in November 2024, which allows Claude users to customize how the model interacts with them. Earlier this week, Anthropic pushed an update for Claude to reference all conversations, not just ones specified by users. While Google introduced personalization to Gemini 2.0, the model was only able to reference previous conversations if prompted by the user. Memory, personalization and customization continue to be a battleground in the AI arms race as users want chat platforms to "just know" them or their brand. It provides context and eliminates the need to repeat instructions for ongoing projects.

Gemini is about to remember everything, unless you tell it not to

Gemini is also adding a new "Temporary Chat" mode for one-off conversations Google Gemini will remember all those questions you ask on the app now, unless you ask it politely not to. The AI assistant will look at and reference your past chats as a way to personalize future ones, though only for Gemini 2.5 Pro for now. With the memory function, Gemini could theoretically recall your favorite party themes, the YouTube channels you're into, or how you like to compose emails to your friends, without you having to remind it. Gemini's memory is not dissimilar to the memory feature offered by ChatGPT and other AI chatbots. And while ChatGPT can now connect to your Google account, Gemini has native access to Gmail, Calendar, and Google Docs. The memory is on by default, so you'll have to make a slight effort if you'd rather Gemini not track your chats. You can turn the memory off or back on again in the settings menu under personal context, sliding the "Your past chats" option to off. In addition, the "Gemini Apps Activity" section is now called "Keep Activity." When that setting is active, some of your future uploaded files and photos may be used to train and improve Gemini and other Google services. You can opt out of that, too, if you wish. As much as Google is eager to make sure Gemini can remember what you say to it, the company paired the rollout with its opposite, the new Temporary Chat. This incognito mode makes every conversation a one-off, and makes sure it isn't saved to your history, appears in the activity list, or sent to Google to train Gemini. After a 72-hour hold for safety, they're they're deleted completely, unless you submit explicit feedback, which will be processed and then discarded. Temporary Chat is designed for those moments when you want to ask something you're not sure you'll want remembered, whatever that might be. The temporary chats might reassure people worried that Google just wants more of their data, but the company clearly hopes people find value in giving Gemini a memory. Google's goal is to encourage people to think of the AI as a long-term conversational partner, not just a tool you reintroduce yourself to every time you interact with it. Regardless of any concerns, AI developers are very keen on memory, since, without it, AI assistants are just clever parrots. Technically, they still are just parroting data even with personalization, but they'll be less clever about it. Whether that's exciting or unsettling depends on your appetite for intimacy with software.

Gemini adds Temporary Chats and new personalization features

The Gemini app can now reference your past chats to learn your preferences, delivering more personalized responses the more you use it. We're also introducing a new privacy feature called Temporary Chats, and new settings that give you more control over your data. With these updates, you can create the experience that's right for you and make the privacy choices that fit your needs. At I/O, we introduced our vision for the Gemini app: to create an AI assistant that learns and truly understands you -- not one that just responds to your prompt in the same way that it would anyone else's prompt. Today, we're introducing a new setting that allows Gemini to learn from your past conversations over time. When this setting is on, Gemini remembers key details and preferences you've shared, leading to more natural and relevant conversations, as if you're collaborating with a partner who's already up to speed. Here's how personal context can bring a conversation to life: We're rolling out this feature over the coming weeks, starting today. At first, personalized conversations will be available when using our 2.5 Pro model in select countries and we plan to expand the feature to our 2.5 Flash model and more countries in the weeks ahead. This setting is on by default to help Gemini give you more relevant responses, but you remain in control and can turn this setting on or off at any time. To do so, simply head to your Settings in the Gemini app and select "Personal context," then "Your past chats with Gemini." As before, you can manage and delete your conversations in Gemini Apps Activity.

How to Stop Google Gemini AI From Remembering Your Old Chats

Khamosh Pathak is freelancer tech journalist with over 13 years of experience writing online. Not to be outdone by ChatGPT, Google is the latest company to expand its memory feature to all Gemini AI users. Until recently, each Gemini AI chat was its own container, and there was hardly any data that could be shared between them. But over the past couple of months, that line has kept blurring. Back in February, Google introduced a more limited memory feature for its paid Gemini Advanced (now Google AI Pro) users. It could reference past conversations, and help you summarize them. But now, Google is expanding memory to all users, with a personal twist. Google's new memory feature is called Personal Context, and it remembers key parts of your previous conversations, and uses them to personalize new chats. Of course, not everyone will be happy about this, as it carries privacy and usability concerns. But Google is so confident about this new feature that it's enabling it by default for all users (except for those in certain countries). For one-off chats, you're now supposed to use the new Temporary Chat feature instead. Thankfully, if Personal Context isn't your thing, you can disable it. Gemini's new memory feature (and AIs remembering your chats generally) brings up concerns about data privacy, security, and control. Here's how Google is pitching this. Let's say you've previously asked Gemini to summarize non-fiction books for you. Now, when you ask it to suggest books, according to Google, "it may suggest books with similar themes as to those you've discussed before." Similarly if you've looked up comic books before, it might suggest comic book themed parties when you're brainstorming for birthday party ideas. If you don't want your past chats flavoring new ones, or you don't want Google to remember your passing interests, this could be a problem. There's also a usability issue here, and that's a lack of control over saved data. This new personalized chats feature isn't customizable by the user. Gemini does have a powerful Saved Info feature that allows users to expressly tell Gemini other things it should remember, like document templates, and refer to them in new conversations. That list is editable, and configurable by the user themselves. But the new Personal Context feature is a black box. Users can't control what exactly Gemini's AI will choose to remember, and how it will be brought back in new conversations. With that in mind, here's a blanket disclaimer: you shouldn't share any personal information or sensitive information with Gemini or any other AI chatbot, precisely because of this lack of transparency. But if that's not enough for you, you can also disable this feature outright. As mentioned above, the new Personal Context feature in Gemini will be enabled for all users starting now. It's a slow global rollout, though, so it might take a couple of weeks to reach you. If you're under 18, or signed into a work or school Google Account, you won't be able to access this feature. According to Google, it's also not available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. It will start to roll out with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, and then will make its way to the 2.5 Flash model as well. To disable this feature, go to Gemini settings on the web, or the Settings screen in the Gemini app. Here, go to Personal Context and disable the Your past chats with Gemini feature. This will make sure that Gemini won't use past chats to influence new answers. Gemini has a dedicated page where it lists all your Gemini prompts and activity. If there's a conversation that you don't want Gemini to use for personalization, you can choose to remove it. Go to Settings > Activity to view all saved prompts. Click the "X" icon next to a prompt, and click Delete from the popup to remove it from your activity history. If you want to keep the personalized chat feature, but you just want an occasional clean slate every once in a while, you can try the new Temporary Chat feature. Just like with ChatGPT, a temporary chat isn't stored in the chat history, and it won't appear in your Gemini Apps Activity as well. It won't be used to personalize the Gemini experience or to train Google's AI models. Google says that temporary chats are saved for 72 hours to process any feedback you choose to provide. To start a new temporary chat, open the sidebar and click the new dotted Message icon next to the New chat button.

Gemini Adds a Critical Privacy Feature in Big Update

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. Google's Gemini is getting two major features starting today, one that will help make your prompts more private, while the other can make them more personalized going forward. Google also plans to add a way for you to share some data with to further train their models, but you can opt-out pretty easily. Gemini Temporary Chats: For privacy folks who want to still take advantage of Gemini powers, Google will start rolling out a Temporary Chat feature that works precisely as the name suggests. By choosing a Temporary Chat, you are essentially going into an incognito-like mode that won't keep your Gemini session in your recent chats and isn't used to train Gemini models. These chats will apparently only be saved for 72 hours before disappearing.. As the image below suggests, there's a dotted-dashed chat bubble in the slideout menu on the side of the Gemini app that opens these Temporary Chat sessions. In that page, the top portion will remind you of how a temporary session will work and when the data will disappear. Rollout for this starts today and will expand over the coming weeks. Gemini Personalized Responses: In potentially bigger news, Google is rolling out a setting called "Personal Context" that is on by default. While you can turn this off at any time (see below), the point of this is for Gemini to remember key details and then create more natural and relevant conversations the more you use it. It can remember more about you to then tailor responses based on history. It's a big step towards becoming a much more personal assistant. This new Personal Context feature arrives starting today and then expands over the coming weeks. To start, it works with Gemini 2.5 Pro in consumer accounts and will expand to 2.5 Flash in the "next couple of weeks." Finally, Goole is renaming the "Gemini Apps Activity" setting to "Keep Activity." With this setting on, you'll help improve Google services, like training of their AI models. For those who want nothing to do with this, you can turn it off or use Temporary Chats more frequently.

Users can Now Allow Gemini to Access their Chats for more Personalized Responses - Phandroid

As promised in Google I/O earlier this year, Google is now gradually rolling out more and more Gemini features, following a recent update that allows users to integrate Gemini Live with other Google apps like Calendar, Maps, and more. READ: Gemini Live now works with Google apps like Maps, Keep, Tasks, and Calendar More recently, Google is now bringing over a new update that will give Gemini access to users' past conversations, remembering key details and preferences that a user may have mentioned in their chats, which allows it to converse in a more natural manner with relevant details at hand. Google says that it will roll out the new feature over the next few weeks, which will be available via Google's 2.5 Pro model in select regions. Google does plan for further availability via its 2.5 Flash model (and more regions) in the weeks ahead. Users can choose to enable or deactivate this feature via the settings page within the Gemini app. Also rolling out are "Temporary Chats," which won't appear in recent chats or Gemini app activity. These will only last for up to 72 hours and won't be used to train AI activity. Google adds that it will rename the Gemini Apps Activity setting to Keep Activity, which can also be disabled manually by users.

Gemini for Android's New Chat Mode Will Keep Your Conversations Private

Google is adding a couple of new features to its artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, Gemini. On Wednesday, the Mountain View-based tech giant announced personalised responses and Temporary Chats for Gemini's Android app. The first is a personalisation capability that allows the AI chatbot to fetch information from previous conversations to tailor the responses to the user's preferences. The latter is a privacy feature that allows users' conversations to remain private, as Google does not store the data on its servers or train its AI models on them. Gemini Gets Two Important Features In a blog post, the tech giant announced the two new features for the Gemini app. Interestingly, the company did not mention whether these updates are also being rolled out on the web interface. Among the two, the privacy feature Temporary Chats is something OpenAI's ChatGPT has been offering some quite some time now. Temporary Chats in Gemini Photo Credit: Google It is now coming to Gemini as an option to let users have a conversation where the information is neither picked by Gemini itself (for personalised responses) nor by Google (to train its models). In essence, this is the best chat mode when users want to discuss something of a sensitive nature. Temporary Chats are kept in the company's AI servers for up to 72 hours to respond to users and to process any feedback. After that, it is deleted. Notably, the feature is expected to roll out to all users over the coming weeks. With personalised responses, Gemini can now reference past chats in conversations. A similar feature was rolled out by Anthropic earlier this week. Essentially, it can be understood as the extension to the Memory feature that allows the chatbot to remember certain details about the user. With the new capability, Gemini can now automatically remember key details from past conversations, which do not necessarily have to be about the user. Then, when relevant, Gemini will include this information to make a response more relevant to the user. Alternatively, users can also ask the chatbot about any older conversation. Personalised Responses in Gemini Photo Credit: Google Highlighting an example, the post stated, "You've previously discussed the evolution of characters' powers in your favorite comic book. Now, if you ask Gemini to "brainstorm a birthday party theme that's unique to me," it might suggest a celebration based on your favorite character, complete with themed food and a custom photo booth with props." Notably, this feature will only work with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model. It is not available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the UK. Google plans to expand this feature to the 2.5 Flash model and more countries in the coming weeks. The tech giant says once the feature is available, it will remain on by default. However, users can turn it off by going to Settings in the Gemini app, selecting Personal context, and navigating to Your past chats with Gemini. Alternatively, users can also manage and delete their conversations via the Gemini Apps Activity.

Google's Gemini gets 'memory' upgrade and 'temporary chats' - The Economic Times

Google Gemini will now remember past chats to provide more tailored responses for users. A 'temporary chats' mode is also added for private conversations. This feature will not save chats or be used to train AI models. The rollout begins with Gemini 2.5 Pro model users in select countries, with rollout in more regions soon.Google has begun to roll out a new feature for Gemini since Wednesday that will enable the AI chatbot to "remember" previous conversations without needing reminders. With this setting, Gemini will automatically store and recall your "key details and preferences" to deliver more tailored and relevant responses. The memory feature will be activated by default, but users who prefer not to use it can switch it off. To do so, open the Gemini app, go to 'Personal Context' in the settings, and turn off the 'Your past chats' with Gemini option. The memory builds on a feature Google introduced last November, which allowed users to ask Gemini to "remember" their preferences and interests. But the latest update doesn't need any prompting. The functionality is much like what OpenAI introduced for ChatGPT back in April, where the chatbot can reference earlier interactions to better reflect users' preferences and interests in its replies. Shortly after, Elon Musk's xAI also added a similar feature to its chatbot, Grok. According to Google, the rollout will initially be limited to users of the 2.5 Pro model, in select countries. Over the coming weeks, the company intends to extend the feature to the 2.5 Flash model and expand availability to more regions. Alongside this, Google is also adding a new "temporary chats" mode to Gemini. This option allows users to engage in one-off private conversations, whether to discuss sensitive questions or brainstorm ideas that may not fit their typical style. These temporary chats are not saved in recent chats or Gemini Apps Activity, and they won't contribute to Gemini personalisation or be used to train Google's AI models. They're retained for up to 72 hours solely for replying and handling any feedback users provide. Also Read: Award-winning variant of Gemini's AI model is live, confirms CEO Sundar Pichai

Google's Gemini App Can Now Remember or Forget Past Conversations | PYMNTS.com

The company began rolling out these features for the artificial intelligence (AI) assistant today and will continue to do so over the coming weeks, it said in a Wednesday (Aug. 13) blog post. "Today we're updating the Gemini app so it becomes an even more personal, proactive and powerful assistant, while also providing you more control over your data," Michael Siliski, senior director, product management, Gemini app, wrote in the post. One new setting allows Gemini to learn from the user's past conversations so that the more the user interacts with the app, the more personalized its responses become, according to the post. This setting is on by default, but users can turn it on or off at any time and can manage and delete their conversations, the post said. Another new feature, Temporary Chat, allows users to have conversations with the Gemini app, while keeping those chats private. Temporary Chats won't appear in the user's recent chats or Gemini Apps Activity, won't be used to personalize the user's experience or train Google's AI models, and will be saved for only 72 hours, per the post. Google also announced in the post that in the coming weeks it will change the name of "Gemini Apps Activity" to "Keep Activity" and will enable users to use this setting to control whether their data is used to help improve Google services. To prevent their data from being used, they can toggle this setting or use Temporary Chats. "Because we know trust is earned through transparency and control, we believe it's important to provide you with the tools to manage your data," Siliski wrote in the post. This announcement follows some incidents with other AI assistants that heightened users concerns about privacy.

Google Gemini New Update Brings Memory and Private Chat Mode

Along with memory, Google has added Temporary Chats for private one-time conversations. These chats do not appear in history, do not shape , and are not used to train Google's AI. They are kept only for up to 72 hours so the chatbot can finish the conversation and collect optional feedback. This gives users a quick way to keep certain topics completely private. Google is also updating its privacy settings. The current "" option will soon be called "Keep Activity." When this is on, a small sample of future uploads, like files or photos, may be used to improve Google services. Those who turned this setting off earlier will stay opted out. Temporary Chats offer another way to make sure certain interactions are never stored. With these changes, Google says Gemini is now more like a personal assistant that understands interests and habits while still giving clear options to protect privacy. The company also says it is working to keep safety high and prevent any problems linked to memory-based AI. This update also helps Google Gemini compete better with rivals like ChatGPT and , which already offer memory features. By adding both personalization and a privacy mode, the artificial intelligence aims to give users a balance between smarter help and full control over their data. The latest update brings two main upgrades to the Google AI chatbot. This includes memory for more personal chats and Temporary Chats for private talks and better tools to manage how data is used.

Google Gemini AI Update: Temporary Chats Will Now Allow Private Conversations

Google plans to implement a significant update to its artificial intelligence engine, Gemini AI, which will have a direct effect on user data. Starting September 2, the company will begin using a sample of individual uploads, including files, pictures, videos, and screenshots, to train Gemini and improve related products. The new update is a subtle yet crucial rebranding. The current preference will soon be renamed to Keep Activity. More importantly, this preference will be enabled by default unless users choose to turn it off.

Google to Rely on User Data to Train Gemini, Here's How to Stop It

AI models like Gemini are fed a large amount of data to handle queries, but the training data appears to be insufficient. This has pushed the company to update the users' data usage policy, according to which the company will have access to and can utilize user data to improve the chatbot's performance. However, account holders can opt out of it by turning off the data sharing setting. While the change in Google Gemini data policy intends to make more accurate in handling user queries, it raises a serious question about transparency and users' rights to protect their data. Fortunately, users unwilling to subscribe to this policy can withdraw by making minor changes to their settings.

Google Gemini will now remember your past chats, adds other new features

Gemini can now refer to past conversations to understand user preferences. Google has announced new features aimed at making its Gemini AI chatbot more personal, proactive, and powerful, while giving users greater control over their data. With the latest update, Gemini can now refer to past conversations to understand user preferences, allowing it to deliver personalised responses over time. Google is also rolling out a new privacy feature called Temporary Chats, along with updated settings that offer more ways to manage your data. Keep reading to know all the details. One of the biggest changes is a new setting that allows Gemini to learn from your previous chats. This means the more you use it, the more it understands your preferences. For example, if you've discussed your favourite comic book characters before, Gemini could suggest a themed birthday party idea based on them. This feature is rolling out starting today for the Gemini 2.5 Pro model in select countries and will expand to other models and regions soon. It's turned on by default, but you can switch it off heading to the 'Personal context section in settings. Also read: Apple plans AI comeback with tabletop robot, lifelike Siri and more: Report Google has also introduced a new Temporary Chat feature for moments when you want a private, one-off conversation without it affecting your future recommendations. These chats won't appear in your history or be used to train Google's AI models. They'll be stored for up to 72 hours only. Also read: AI startup Perplexity offers whopping $34.5 bn to buy Google Chrome browser, here's why Alongside these, Google is updating its privacy settings. The 'Gemini Apps Activity' setting will soon be renamed to 'Keep Activity'. When turned on, a small sample of your future uploads, like files and photos, may be used to improve Google's services. If you don't want this, you can turn it off or use Temporary Chats.

Google Gemini AI to use user uploads for training from September 2: Here's how to opt out

Past Gemini activity can also be deleted, though data remains on servers for up to 72 hours before removal. Google has officially announced that it is making major privacy changes to the Gemini AI. Starting September 2, the chatbot can impact how your personal data is handled. Taking to the press a mail, Google stated that it will start using "a sample" of user uploads, which include files, photos, videos, and screenshots to train the AI system and products. This new change will coincide with the rebranding of the Gemini Apps Activity setting, which will soon be known as Keep Activity. Unless users manually change their settings, the feature will be enabled by default. This means that the chatbot will automatically receive your personal chats and media files. It calls into question the issues of consent, transparency, and data protection. But the good news is that you can disable it simply by going to settings. If you want to know, follow the step-by-step instructions based on the device you're using. It must be noted that even after disabling it, Gemini activity remains on the servers for up to 72 hours before deletion. If you use multiple Google accounts, you will have to repeat the process with each account. The setting currently appears as "Gemini Apps Activity", but Google has said it will soon be renamed "Keep activity" in an upcoming update.