Google’s AI Ambitions Raise Privacy Concerns: Bard in Messages App Analyzing Personal Messages

Srishti Dey
Srishti Dey January 31, 2024
Updated 2024/01/31 at 10:27 AM

With the release of Bard, an AI assistant integrated into the Messages app for Android users, Google is extending the reach of AI. Although this offers more personalized conversation that is similar to ChatGPT capabilities, there is a serious privacy problem as reported by previous publications. There have been rumors that Bard may examine private messaging material to better grasp tone and substance, which raises concerns about possible privacy violations.

AI in Messages App – Bard:

Google is pushing AI across a number of platforms, including its Messages app, where Bard will add AI features. By better understanding tone and context through message content analysis, this AI assistant seeks to improve user experience. Like AI-powered customisation in replies, Bard aims to align the tone of communications according to on the conversation history of the user.

User Data and Privacy Issues:

Nevertheless, the use of Bard raises privacy issues as the AI is said to dive into messages’ sensitive content. Sensitive data is accessed and analyzed in the process, which is intended to improve the AI’s understanding of user chats. Bard is also rumored to evaluate the user’s connection with contacts through the review of message history, which heightens concerns about privacy.

User data security and encryption:

It’s worth noting that it’s unclear if Google guarantees end-to-end encryption for texts that Bard analyzes. This weak encryption is a significant disadvantage, especially for users who are worried about the safety of their private communications. Risks to data security and privacy may arise from AI learning and training’s dependence on server-based processing.

In contrast to Apple’s strategy:


On-device processing is given priority by industry rivals like Apple for AI functions, which improves confidence and allays any possible privacy worries. Apple has established a standard for privacy preservation in the industry by integrating AI with scrupulous attention to user data protection.


There are serious concerns regarding user privacy and data security raised by Google’s AI experiment with Bard. As additional products—like private messaging apps—get AI treatment, Google needs to respond to concerns and lay out a thorough plan to protect customer privacy. The contrast with Apple’s circumspect stance emphasizes how crucial it is to put privacy first in this age of growing AI applications.

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