topic Re: Using AI in Community Chat

Using AI

willowbark — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 17:46:15 GMT

Privacy Policy Comparison Table

Platform Data Usage Opt-out Options Data Retention Transparency Special Notes

OpenAI (ChatGPT)	User data is generally used for training unless opted out.	Users can opt out, but it's not the default.	Retains data indefinitely unless manually deleted; temporary mode available (30 days).	Clear, readable policies on data practices.	Users must actively manage preferences to limit usage.
Anthropic (Claude)	Conversations may be used for training by default; option to opt in or out.	Opt-out available but has changed to prompt users for consent.	Retained for 30 days if opting out; training data can be kept longer (~5 years).	More straightforward but still has privacy concerns.	Previously stronger privacy stance, now more flexible.
Google (Gemini)	Uses data for model training and performance improvement; extensive data sharing.	Complex opt-out process primarily compliant with GDPR.	Retention policies are often vague and dependent on region.	Policies are broad and often unclear regarding specific user interactions.	Metadata and location data often collected; data used in ad targeting.
Microsoft (Copilot)	Similar to Google; collects broad user interactions for improvements and data analytics.	Opt-out options exist but are also convoluted.	Retention practices similar to Google; often lacks clarity.	Privacy policies are integrated across services, making specifics harder to find.	Often shares data with other Microsoft services and third parties.
Meta (Meta AI)	Aggressive data collection from public and user-generated content; broader categories included.	Limited and often unclear opt-out procedures.	Retention policies can be lengthy; relies heavily on user data.	Transparency is lacking; complex language in policies.	Users may not be fully aware of how their data is utilized, esp. in training models.

Analysis

Data Usage and Training: Most platforms utilize user-generated data to improve their models. OpenAI and Anthropic provide users with options to limit or opt-out of certain data uses, but this is often not enabled by default.

Opt-Out Options: Platforms like Anthropic have shifted their policies to require active user consent for data training, reflecting changing attitudes toward privacy. In contrast, platforms like Meta offer limited and unclear options, making it hard for users to navigate privacy controls.

Data Retention Practices: Retention policies vary widely, with OpenAI retaining information indefinitely unless expressly deleted. Google and Microsoft also retain data for analytics but do not provide clear pathways for users to understand or manage retention.

Transparency: OpenAI is noted for its clear communication regarding data practices compared to others like Meta and Google, where vague policies often leave users confused about data handling.

Special Notes: Meta stands out for its aggressive data collection techniques. On the other hand, Apple's AI model prioritizes privacy by processing data minimally and locally, thus not being included in this comparison but noted for its strong stance on user privacy.

source: Duck.ai

Re: Using AI

willowbark — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:05:30 GMT

Something I have discovered by using Duck.ai (which is the only AI I have ever used) and that is discovering inaccuracies in its answers and giving me extraneous information that I never mentioned to it or asked it.

For example

After telling Duck.ai where I reside I mentioned a specific law that had been changed and was in the news and online too of course. Yet it answered my question based on old information before the law was changed, When I told AI that no, it was incorrect it

apologized and then produced the information I was seeking based on the new law and there had been copious amounts of that online. Very disappointing.

Example #2

Based on where I reside which I reiterated to Duck.ai, I asked about my property taxes and what percent can be written off on my Federal Income Tax. The response I got specified the filing status for married people but I never asked it about filing status and it failed to include single filing status leaving me to believe that its programmers were biased toward married people only owning homes and not a single person.

When I brought that to its attention, it again apologized and included the information for single fliers as well.

I then asked it why it was relevant to even bring that up at all since filing status was never part of my question. My question was merely asking what percent can I write off from my property taxes.

I received another apology. The aswer was pretty straightforward and did not have to include filing status.

By the way, I already knew the answer just wanted to see what it would say.

Re: Using AI

tansy — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:20:18 GMT

I am attending a lecture on the subject this coming week.

Re: Using AI

Laura14 — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:20:35 GMT

ChatGPT is very clear. If you are logged in to save your chats (you don't have to be to use it), you can delete and it tells you straight up it will be gone from the server in 30 days or longer depending on what it is.

Re: Using AI

willowbark — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:29:46 GMT

@Laura14 wrote:
ChatGPT is very clear. If you are logged in to save your chats (you don't have to be to use it), you can delete and it tells you straight up it will be gone from the server in 30 days or longer depending on what it is.

I don't use AI on my phone and while ChatGPT is available from what I understand on Microsoft, I don't use their browser.

Re: Using AI

Laura14 — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 18:31:57 GMT

@willowbark I only use ChatGPT on desktop (Chrome) or iPad (Safari). I have no need on my phone.

Re: Using AI

Mz iMac — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:08:58 GMT

Re: Using AI

Goldengate8361 — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:55:49 GMT

It is kind of useless. There is no privacy online.

Re: Using AI

Snowpuppy — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 00:40:31 GMT

Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia said self learning AI like Skynet is some 25-35 years away.

The Wall St AI trade is beginning to show cracks some 8 months into the boom.

When people have to pay a monthly user fee to create cat memes at 3am and their power bills triple, we'll see where this technology goes. 😉

Re: Using AI

Flatbush — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 06:22:27 GMT

@willowbark

Lots of good information here. Now I have to make sense of it all. Thanks for posting.

Re: Using AI

Oznell — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 12:35:49 GMT

Surprisingly, some aspects of AI seem still a bit rough around the edges, in its ability to give accurate, up-to-the-minute information. But have no doubt that that will continue to be refined. I can't possibly hope to understand all the implications...

Re: Using AI

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 18:35:05 GMT

@Oznell wrote:
Surprisingly, some aspects of AI seem still a bit rough around the edges, in its ability to give accurate, up-to-the-minute information. But have no doubt that that will continue to be refined. I can't possibly hope to understand all the implications...

Same for me. I'll stick with the human contact in my life for now.

Re: Using AI

They CallMe MRWILKES — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:05:59 GMT

Artificial Intelligence data centers are huge consumers of electricity.

A study by MIT shows that nearly 5% of electricity generated in the US currently goes to these centers as the servers, hardware and cooling system needs are enormous. The demand will likely triple in 2-3 years. Every query, every response spins the wheel and consumes the limited juice.

There are virtually no new generating units under construction right now for a variety of reasons, so the growing demand for power will increase electricity rates for all consumers until adequate generation comes online.

AI comes at a great cost in many ways.

Re: Using AI

willowbark — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:19:33 GMT

That's why the tech bro's are exploring new options. It's Microsoft I believe that want to reopen 3 Mile Island and the others want to build mini nuclear reactors because they take less time,

Also in the works sending up satellites that use the sun as energy for these data centers,

Where there's a will there is a way and the only reason is because China will get ahead in this area if not already.

edited for typo

Re: Using AI

Snowpuppy — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:24:15 GMT

TX has more future data center contracts underway than any other state in the US. Texas is not connected to the rest of the US power grid.

That said, data centers require enormous amounts of electricity to run and fresh water to cool. Not to mention power lines that need to be strung. We don't have the capacity in the US.

Somebody gotta pay for all of those upgrades. People in parts of Maryland already seeing their power bills triple. There are maps online that show projected areas where utility costs are going to soar.

No doubt once you upgrade, you can't go back. They want you as a paying customer for life.

Re: Using AI

They CallMe MRWILKES — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:26:32 GMT

The water usage needs are enormous.

Water bills are soaring in these areas.

Re: Using AI

Sunshine Kate — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:42:04 GMT

We don't need AI for anything. The longer I live the more I long for living back in the 60's, 70"s, etc.

Never knew how good I had it, nice memories.

Re: Using AI

willowbark — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 19:58:10 GMT

@Sunshine Kate wrote:
We don't need AI for anything. The longer I live the more I long for living back in the 60's, 70"s, etc.

Never knew how good I had it, nice memories.

AI is needed in medicine. To find cures for diseases, to develop new medicines that are more affective than what we currently have and without the side affects and vaccines such as the flu where they will once and for all be able to develop ones that acutally prevent the flu and are 100% accurate.

Re: Using AI

Snowpuppy — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 22:20:50 GMT

@tansy so we can track where those chips go? 😉

I'll take my KoolAid chilled, with a Hopium Chaser.

Re: Using AI

tansy — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:56:07 GMT

@Snowpuppy wrote:
@tansy so we can track where those chips go? 😉

I'll take my KoolAid chilled, with a Hopium Chaser.

I learned a new phrase. Thanks😊

@Snowpuppy