Google Docs AI: Is it safe? I’m a novel writer and tech journalist — let’s talk
As a journalist covering technology and video games, I’ve heard a lot of AI horror stories, but as a fantasy author working on my debut novel, the last thing I want is to have to worry about my work being stolen by Google Docs’ artificial intelligence. In this piece, we’ll investigate the truth behind what’s going on with Google’s AI suite and examine the steps that may be taken to safeguard our original works of creativity.
1. Google AI and Your Work: The Truth Unveiled
Google provides a number of artificial intelligence-related services, such as Bard, Document AI, and Labs AI. Although it’s possible that users of Google Docs won’t be directly affected by Bard or Labs AI, it’s important to understand what these developments could mean.
2. Document AI and Your Data
Document AI is utilised for a variety of tasks like the digitization of books, the completion of medical paperwork, and even more. However, there is a caveat to Google’s statement that it does not utilise your content for any reason other than providing the service itself. Because any data that is shared with entities using Document AI becomes accessible to Google, it is essential to exercise extreme caution when doing so.
3. Labs AI: A New Frontier
Additional concerns arise due to the fact that Google Labs AI will soon be integrated into Gmail and Google Docs. Due to the fact that human reviewers may have access to your data for a period of up to four years, the gathering of prompts and inputs for AI development can give rise to privacy concerns.
4. Lawsuit and Google’s Data Collection
The recent allegations that Google has been “secretly stealing” data have resulted in a class action lawsuit, which has added to the anxiety surrounding data privacy. Even though Google asserts that it would not use information without first obtaining consent, it is imperative that users be cautious and educated regarding the terms of service.
5. Alternatives to Google Docs for Writers
If you’re concerned about protecting your work, here are three viable alternatives:
A. Microsoft Word: The Industry Standard
The publishing industry relies heavily on Microsoft Word due to its extensive feature set, which may be utilised for the generation of documents. You can reduce the potential dangers linked with the acquisition of AI data by isolating the device from the internet. However, there is a monthly charge associated with it.
B. Scrivener: Ideal for Creative Writers
Scrivener is a good option for writers who are looking for more specialised capabilities in their writing software. It offers specific templates for a variety of writing genres and comes highly recommended by authors who have had their work published. Although it does not come at no cost, it is a more affordable alternative to Microsoft Word.
C. Reedsy: A Budget-friendly Option
Reedsy provides authors with a free platform on which they may publish their books, complete with tools that make it simple to format their work and export it in a variety of formats. On the other hand, the amount of room for customization is restricted, and the collaborative features might not be as obvious.
6. The Way Forward
Even while Google Docs might still be risk-free for the time being, you should make protecting the confidentiality of your creative work a top priority. As seen by the ongoing strikes by industry experts, plagiarism is a legitimate worry, and the impact of AI on creative endeavours is an urgent matter. Authors and writers might find relief from anxiety by taking preventative measures to safeguard their works and investigating other alternatives to traditional writing venues.
Conclusion
It is imperative that you protect your writing from any possible misuse of data if you are a writer. Even though Google Docs is still a relatively secure platform at the moment, the rapidly changing landscape of AI necessitates that we give careful consideration to the platforms that we use. Keep in mind that as creative people, the work we do is a mirror of our thoughts and imaginations, and it is of the highest significance that we maintain the work’s integrity.
