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To evaluate an AI assistant’s privacy, check the exact product, account type, and settings you use—and assess collection, model improvement, safety review, retention, deletion, and account controls separately. A “training off” setting does not necessarily stop a provider from processing chats to answer you, protect its service, or investigate safety concerns. This guide compares current official guidance for OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google Gemini Apps as of October 7, 2026; it does not assess Microsoft Copilot’s current terms.
What should you check before comparing privacy policies?
Start with the assistant and account you actually use. A personal account, a managed work or school workspace, and an API integration may have different defaults, controls, and contractual terms. OpenAI says plan, account, and workspace settings affect applicable controls; Anthropic separates consumer and commercial products; Google distinguishes personal, work or school, signed-in, and signed-out use. See OpenAI’s consumer data guidance, Anthropic’s retention guidance, and the Gemini Apps Privacy Hub.
Then examine six separate questions rather than trying to assign the product a single “private” or “not private” score:
- What is collected? Check whether the policy covers prompts, uploaded files, voice inputs, connected-app content, and other inputs—not just typed chats.
- What is used to improve models? Identify the default, how to opt out or opt in, whether the control applies prospectively, and how feedback is handled.
- Who or what may review it? Look for automated safety processing, human review, and access by service providers.
- How long is it kept? Separate routine history and activity retention from special handling after feedback, safety flags, or human review.
- What does deletion do? Check the deletion timeline and whether deletion affects data already used in model training.
- Who controls the account? Check memory, temporary-chat or activity controls, administrator settings, and any contractual retention options.
Is my data used for model training?
The answer depends on the product and settings. “Training” or “model improvement” is not the same as all data processing: a provider may still need to process a conversation to generate a reply or protect its service.
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- 【Filter Dimensions】: Width: 11 15/16" (304 mm), Height: 7 1/2" (190 mm), Diagonal: 14.1" (358.14 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
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| Service and account context | Model-improvement policy described in official guidance |
|---|---|
| OpenAI consumer services | Consumer content may be used to improve models depending on settings. Temporary chats are excluded from model improvement while they remain temporary; saving one converts it to an ordinary history chat. OpenAI consumer guidance |
| OpenAI Business, Enterprise, Edu, Healthcare workspaces, and API Platform | Business/workspace and API data are not used for training by default unless the organization opts in. Confirm the workspace configuration and applicable terms. OpenAI consumer guidance |
| Anthropic consumer Claude | Chats and coding sessions may be used to improve Claude when the user allows it, when a conversation is flagged for safety review, or through another explicit opt-in. Incognito chats are not used for improvement even if Model Improvement is enabled. Anthropic training guidance, March 16, 2026 |
| Anthropic commercial API | Anthropic says retained API data is not used for training without express permission. Check the contract, endpoint, and feature because retention arrangements and exceptions differ. Anthropic API retention documentation |
| Google Gemini Apps, personal account | With Keep Activity off and no feedback submitted, Google says future chats are not used to improve AI models. If you submit feedback, the feedback and associated context may be reviewed. Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, last updated September 24, 2026 |
For Google, Keep Activity off is not a blanket “no processing” setting: Google says chats may still be processed to respond and protect users. Anthropic also describes a safety-review exception to its consumer model-improvement setting. OpenAI says temporary chats may be retained for safety. Read the exceptions alongside the headline setting, not as footnotes to ignore.
How long do providers retain chats, and what happens after deletion?
Retention is not one clock. A conversation may disappear from visible history before backend deletion, and data already used in a training pipeline may follow a different timeline. The figures below are the providers’ stated limits for the specific cases described, not a guarantee that every item is deleted on that schedule.
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- Filter Dimensions: Width: 11 15/16" (304 mm), Height: 7 1/2" (190 mm), Diagonal: 14.1" (358.14 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
- Two Attachment Options - Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any screen. Option 2 uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the filter on and off the screen as needed.
- Superior Privacy and Anti Glare - Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces - Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- Package Contents - Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
| Service and case | Stated retention or deletion period |
|---|---|
| OpenAI consumer chats | Cleared chats are generally deleted within 30 days, subject to de-identification and security or legal exceptions. Temporary chats may be retained for up to 30 days for safety. OpenAI consumer guidance |
| Anthropic consumer chats deleted by the user | Removed from history immediately and from backend systems within 30 days. Anthropic retention guidance, July 1, 2026 |
| Anthropic data used for model improvement | If the user allows model improvement, relevant data may remain in de-identified training pipelines for up to five years. Turning the setting off stops future training from previous or new chats but does not remove data from training already underway or models already trained. Anthropic retention guidance, July 1, 2026 |
| Anthropic chats flagged by automated trust-and-safety systems | Flagged inputs and outputs may be retained for up to two years; classification scores may be retained for up to seven years. Legal and policy exceptions also apply. Anthropic retention guidance, July 1, 2026 |
| Google Gemini Apps activity, personal account | Auto-delete defaults to 18 months and can be changed to three months, 36 months, or indefinite. Work or school activity settings may be controlled by an administrator. Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, last updated September 24, 2026 |
| Google Gemini Apps chats reviewed by human reviewers | Chats and related data may be retained for up to three years and are not deleted when Gemini activity is deleted. Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, last updated September 24, 2026 |
| Google Gemini temporary chats or chats with Keep Activity off | May be retained with the account for 72 hours to respond, protect Google and users, and handle service failures. If feedback is submitted, the feedback, recent context, and included content may be reviewed and retained for up to three years. Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, last updated September 24, 2026 |
Google also says data may persist for legitimate business or legal purposes, or under separate policies for other Google services. Treat activity deletion as a control over activity history, not proof that every related copy or reviewed item is immediately erased.
Which controls matter in a personal account?
Use the live privacy or data controls for the account you are signed into. Labels and availability can change, so confirm the setting in the product rather than relying on an old screenshot or a control from another plan.
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- 【Instant Snap-on Magnetic Attachment】- The Patented Magnetic Privacy Screen – Protected by U.S. Patents 9,829,669 and D844,012. Simply place the privacy screen along the top of your MacBook and let the magnets attach along the top. No need for tricky placement, messy tape, or damaging adhesive. Easily remove and reattach when you need it.
- 【Filter Dimensions】: Width: 13.56" (344.5 mm), Height: 8.49" (215.6 mm), Diagonal: 16" (406 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
- 【Superior Privacy】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful UV and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- The Laptop Privacy Screen Filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports, and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes a magnetic privacy screen filter, magnetic stickers, a webcam privacy cover, a storage folder, and a cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
- Identify the account type. Confirm whether you are in a personal account, a work or school workspace, or an API-backed product. For managed accounts, ask the administrator which policies override user choices.
- Set model-improvement preferences. Review the provider’s model training or improvement setting and whether it affects only future chats. Check separately whether sending feedback changes how the related conversation is handled.
- Choose the appropriate conversation mode. OpenAI offers temporary chat, which stays out of history and does not create or update memories while temporary. Anthropic offers Incognito chats. Google offers temporary chats and Keep Activity controls. Their effects are not identical; use the provider-specific terms.
- Review memory and activity controls separately. A memory feature, chat history, and model-improvement preference govern different things. OpenAI identifies memory controls as a separate consumer choice; Google’s activity setting controls activity history and related processing described in its notice.
- Check inputs beyond text. Read the terms for files, voice, connected apps, and feedback if you use those features. Do not assume a chat-level setting covers every connected service or data type.
- Test deletion expectations before relying on them. Read what deletion removes, the expected timing, and any listed safety, legal, review, or training exceptions.
What is different about workspaces and APIs?
Managed products can offer different defaults or contractual controls from consumer apps, but the label “business” alone does not establish the exact data lifecycle. Confirm the service, endpoints, administrator settings, contract, and exceptions that apply to your deployment.
OpenAI business services and API
OpenAI says business data is not used for training by default. The provider says Enterprise, Healthcare, and Edu administrators control retention, while Business has separate retention details. For API inputs and outputs, OpenAI says retention may be up to 30 days except for certain endpoints or features; zero data retention is available for eligible use cases. Its enterprise page also reports AES-256 encryption at rest, TLS 1.2+ in transit, role and access controls, a SOC 2 Type 2 audit, and availability of a Data Processing Addendum for stated services. These are OpenAI’s descriptions, not independent verification. OpenAI enterprise privacy
Rank #4
- 【Filter Dimensions】: Width: 13 9/16" (345 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) - SightPro Blackout Privacy Filter is engineered to be compatible with Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, and other laptop brands. Please verify your screen's width and height measurements before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size. [Not optimized for touchscreens.]
- 【Two Attachment Options】- Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any screen. Option 2 uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the filter on and off the screen as needed.
- 【Superior Privacy and Reduce Glare】- Our advanced multi-layered film filter blacks out your screen when viewing from the side, while maintaining a crystal clear screen straight-on. It also protects your eyes from harmful glare, UV, and blue light. [Note: It does not block visibility directly behind you, regardless of the distance.]
- 【Perfect for Travel and Open Workspaces】- Our computer screen privacy filter is the ideal solution for healthcare providers, mobile workers, commuters, students, and business travelers. Now you can stay compliant and safeguard sensitive corporate information while working in airplanes, subways, airports and public areas.
- 【Package Contents】- Each package includes one privacy screen shield filter, two sets of clear adhesive strips, two sets of slide mount tabs, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Buy with confidence – located in the US, Sight Pro specializes in providing best-in-class privacy solutions to individuals, small businesses, corporations, government, and educational institutions. Our privacy screens are Section 889 and TAA compliant.
Anthropic commercial API
Anthropic says API content is not retained by default except in specified cases, including covered models that require 30-day retention, and retained content is not used for training without express permission. Its zero-data-retention arrangement applies only to eligible organizations, qualifying endpoints, and eligible features; for those cases, prompts and responses are not stored at rest after the response. Do not assume ZDR covers every feature or deployment. Anthropic API retention documentation
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can you make a defensible choice?
Write down the answers to these questions for the exact account and use case, then compare the result with the sensitivity of the information you plan to enter:
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- Compatible Models: Width: 13 9/16" (13.5 inch/344 mm), Height: 7 5/8" (7.6 inch/194 mm), Diagonal: 15.6" (396.24 mm) widescreen laptops which have a 16:9 aspect ratio. Not touchscreen compatible !!! Not fit for 16:10.Do NOT rely solely on your laptop’s diagonal size when ordering. Use a ruler to measure your screen’s visible area (excluding the black bezels). If the width reads 344mm and height reads 194mm, this filter is a perfect match for your device.
- Keep Information Privacy: Effective "black out" privacy from side views outside the 60-degree viewing angle. Designed for optical clarity when viewing from the front, a person not at the front of the screen can only see the dark side of the screen, so it protects buisness secrets and personal privacy
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- Easy Installation: Choose between 2 simple Options; Slide-On/Off or Mounted. Not touchscreen compatible
- Does the policy explicitly cover your account type and every input you use?
- Can you disable model improvement, and does that setting apply to future chats only?
- Can humans or service providers review conversations, and under what circumstances?
- What are the ordinary deletion and retention rules, and what exceptions apply after feedback, review, or safety flags?
- Can an administrator control activity or retention in your workspace?
- For an API, do the contract and documentation define retention for the specific endpoint and features you use?
If an answer is unclear, avoid entering sensitive information until you can verify the applicable notice or obtain an answer from the account administrator or provider. A policy description is not, by itself, a legal determination for your jurisdiction, contract, or regulated-data obligations.
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