Backflip: Apple now wants to train AI models with user data after all
4 hours ago
- Apple has reversed its policy and will now use personal user data from Siri conversations, including audio recordings, to train AI models, with an opt-in process when activating Siri AI.
- The company previously stated that personal data would never be used for AI training, but has removed that promise from its guidelines, adding that data may be used if users explicitly choose to help improve the AI.
- Apple's privacy policy in iOS 27 states it can store full Siri interactions and dictation data, including audio and transcripts, but emphasizes data is not linked to Apple Account and only designated employees listen to audio.
- New Apple Watch models will use 'Siri Recap' to provide summaries of conversations, relying on Private Cloud Compute, which now includes Google servers for the first time.
- This shift follows a past data protection scandal involving Siri audio evaluations by subcontractors, which Apple had previously halted and then reintroduced with opt-in.
- Depending on user choice, data may be reviewed by unidentified personnel, but Apple stresses measures to prevent personal data storage or use beyond user consent.