Americans Are Worried About AI Data Sharing – Here’s What You Can Do About It

A recent survey reported by Digital Information World, drawing on data from the Pew Research Center, confirms what many observers have suspected: a majority of Americans are uneasy about handing over their personal information to artificial intelligence tools. The same Pew research found that a large share of the public believes AI will have a mostly negative impact on privacy, and that most want stricter regulation. But what does that mean for someone who uses ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar services in daily life? This article translates the survey findings into practical steps you can take now to protect your data without abandoning the technology.

What Happened

The Digital Information World article, published in June 2026, summarizes findings from Pew’s ongoing surveys on AI and society. Key points include:

  • Roughly three-quarters of Americans say they are “very” or “somewhat” concerned about companies using their personal data to train AI models.
  • A majority feel they have little or no control over how their data is collected and used by AI tools.
  • Most respondents support new regulations requiring companies to obtain explicit consent before using people’s data for AI training.
  • There is a notable gap between the public’s desire for regulation and their actual awareness of how AI services handle data.

These results are consistent with earlier Pew research from May 2026, which found that a majority of Americans are pessimistic about AI’s overall impact and want more government oversight.

Why It Matters

The concern is not merely theoretical. When you use a chatbot to draft an email, ask an AI assistant for recommendations, or upload a document to a generative AI tool, you may be feeding that company’s training data. Many AI services, by default, save your conversations and use them to improve their models. Unless you actively change those settings, your private information—work communications, health questions, financial details—can become part of a training dataset that other users might theoretically query.

The business models of major AI platforms vary. OpenAI (ChatGPT) allows you to opt out of having your data used for training by going into your account settings and turning off “Improve the model for everyone.” Google Gemini (formerly Bard) gives users a similar toggle, and Microsoft Copilot, which is integrated into Windows and Office, also offers controls—but they are not always easy to find. Smaller or less transparent tools may not offer any such option. The lack of clarity about how data flows through these systems fuels the anxiety reflected in the Pew survey.

What Readers Can Do

You do not need to stop using AI. Instead, you can follow a straightforward checklist to limit your exposure. These steps are based on publicly documented settings as of mid-2026. Settings change, so double-check official documentation for each tool.

1. Turn off model training opt-in

  • ChatGPT: Settings → Data Controls → “Improve the model for everyone” → toggle off.
  • Google Gemini: Settings → “Your data & privacy” → disable “Allow Gemini to use your conversations to improve models.”
  • Microsoft Copilot: In the web version, look for “Privacy” settings; in Windows, go to Settings → Privacy & security → “Let Microsoft use your data to improve AI.”
  • For any other AI tool, search for “privacy settings” or “data training” in the platform’s help center.

2. Use incognito or temporary modes
ChatGPT offers “Temporary Chat,” which does not save conversations to your history. Google Gemini has a similar “Incognito” mode. Microsoft Copilot does not yet have a dedicated incognito option, but you can use private browsing in your browser and sign out after each session.

3. Delete your chat history regularly

  • ChatGPT: Settings → Data Controls → “Delete all conversations.” You can also set auto-delete after a chosen period (e.g., 30 days).
  • Gemini: Delete individual conversations or clear all activity from your Google Account’s “My Activity” page.
  • Copilot: Delete chat history from the “Privacy” dashboard in your Microsoft account.

4. Avoid submitting sensitive information
Even with privacy settings enabled, no system is perfectly secure. Treat AI tools as you would a public forum: do not share passwords, medical records, Social Security numbers, or confidential business data.

5. Read the privacy policy
It takes only a few minutes to scan the key parts of an AI service’s privacy policy. Look for sections on “data used for training” and “data retention.” If the language is vague or the policy gives the company broad rights to use your data without clear opt-out, consider using a different tool.

6. Consider using on-device AI
If you are concerned about cloud-based services, some AI tasks can now be handled locally. Apple Intelligence (on supported devices) processes many requests on the device. Similarly, open-source models like Llama 3 can be run locally on a personal computer if you have the hardware.

Future Outlook

Regulation is slowly catching up. The European Union’s AI Act, which came into force in stages starting 2025, includes requirements for transparency and user control over training data. In the United States, several bills have been introduced but none have passed at the federal level. The Pew findings suggest that public pressure may accelerate legislative action, but for now the burden falls on individual users to protect their own data. Staying informed about updates to privacy settings and new features is the best way to maintain control.

Conclusion

The survey numbers are not just statistics—they represent a real desire for more transparency and control. You do not have to choose between using AI and protecting your privacy. By taking a few deliberate steps—turning off training opt-ins, deleting history, and being mindful of what you share—you can reduce your exposure while continuing to benefit from these tools. The technology is still evolving, and so are the privacy options. Check them regularly.

Sources

  • Digital Information World, “How Americans Feel About Sharing Their Data With AI,” June 12, 2026.
  • Pew Research Center, “Many Americans Pessimistic about AI’s Impact – and Want More Regulation,” May 20, 2026.
  • Official privacy settings documentation for ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot as of June 2026.