What can AI learn about you from just one photo? A new website reveals the surprising, and unsettling details.

Article published on: 3rd December 2024

Credit: arstechnica.com

In Summary:

Software engineer Vishnu Mohandas, a former Google employee, launched the privacy-focused photo storage service Ente to offer a secure alternative to Google Photos. Concerned about how user data could train AI systems, he also introduced a provocative tool, Theyseeyourphotos.com, which uses Google’s own AI to analyze uploaded images and provide startlingly detailed descriptions. The tool demonstrates how much AI can infer from a single photo, including metadata, personal characteristics, and contextual details.

The project highlights the growing tension between convenience and privacy in cloud-based services. While Google states it doesn’t sell user data or use it for ads, its lack of end-to-end encryption leaves many users uneasy. Mohandas hopes the website will encourage users to rethink their image storage choices and the potential long-term implications of sharing photos with AI-driven platforms. Despite some limitations in features, Ente prioritizes privacy and control, offering a secure alternative to big tech's services.

For the full article, visit the original post on: arstechnica.com - New website shows you how much Google AI can learn from your photos