Out of all the AI models available today, which collects the most data on you? If you guessed DeepSeek, you’re wrong. It turns out that, according to Surf Shark, Google Gemini collects the most data on users. This is far more than any of its competitors. That shouldn’t come as a shock, considering Google’s well-documented history of data collection. However, what’s truly surprising is just how much more data Gemini harvests compared to other AI chatbots. Even DeepSeek, which has already raised security concerns, lags far behind, ranking fifth in overall data collection.
Gemini’s data collection is next level
For comparison, ChatGPT came in sixth place. Copilot, Poe, and Jasper also track user interactions for analytics and potential ad targeting. This means that beyond just using your inputs to train models, these chatbots might also be funneling data to third parties for marketing purposes. It’s a stark reminder that AI isn’t just about convenience. It’s also about control over personal information.
According to Tomas Stamulis, Chief Security Officer at Surfshark, apps collecting data on users is normal. It is sometimes used to improve the app’s functionality. However, he cautions that data collected by AI apps go further as they can process and store our conversations with it.
Gemini’s data collection practices go beyond simple chat logs. While OpenAI allows users to disable chat history, Google has historically been less transparent about how much control users actually have. Disabling history doesn’t necessarily mean Google stops collecting your data. It may just mean it’s not being used to improve Gemini’s responses. Google Gemini data collection extends across various services. It integrates with search history, location tracking, and even device usage patterns. This interconnected data web gives Google an edge in AI training. However, it also raises major privacy red flags.
Sharing data with third-parties
According to Stamulis, “This data could be used within the company or shared across third-party networks, potentially reaching hundreds of partners, and leading to highly targeted ads or an increase in spam calls.”
Stamulis also warns users to be mindful of the information they share with AI chatbots. He advises disabling chat history wherever possible and avoiding sharing sensitive details. He says that this could also protect users in the event of a data breach. “As a rule, the more information is shared, the greater the risk of data leaks.”
The more we use AI, the more privacy concerns will grow. Google’s increasing dominance in the space, thanks to its large Android user base and those reliant on its services, means Gemini will likely continue leading in both AI capabilities and data collection.
