In the wake of growing concern over how personal data is handled by artificial intelligence, Samsung has moved to reassure Android users that clarity and choice must come first.
Following recent confusion around Google’s Gmail and claims about user data being harvested to train AI models, Samsung has emphasised the need for users to clearly understand how and where their data is processed. The issue gained traction after a misleading report suggested Gmail data was being secretly used to train AI systems, a claim that was later corrected but had already caused widespread concern.
At CES, Samsung highlighted its “trust-by-design” approach to artificial intelligence. The company stressed the importance of AI platforms that are “predictable, transparent and easy for users to control,” especially when it comes to distinguishing between on-device and cloud-based data processing.
Samsung explained that “on-device AI allows personal data to remain local whenever possible, while cloud-based intelligence can be used selectively when greater speed or scale is required, giving users flexibility without compromising privacy.” This hybrid AI approach has been part of Samsung’s strategy for several years and was initially positioned as an alternative to Google’s cloud-heavy AI model.
While Google has since adopted a similar hybrid approach, Samsung continues to rely heavily on Gemini for AI features on its smartphones. This reliance has renewed focus on how clearly data usage is communicated to users.
The recent Gmail episode showed how little many users understand about where their data is processed, whether it is stored, reviewed, or used for AI training, and how to opt out. Even experienced technology observers were briefly misled by the false narrative suggesting Google had broad access to private email data.
“Trust in AI starts with security that’s proven, not promised,” said Shin Baik. “For more than a decade, Samsung Knox has provided a deeply embedded security platform designed to protect sensitive data at every layer. But trust goes beyond a single device — it requires an ecosystem that protects itself.”
At the same time, Samsung confirmed it plans to double the number of mobile devices featuring Galaxy AI this year, with many of these capabilities powered by Google’s Gemini, according to a report by a global news agency.
The episode has left Android users with a clear message. Understanding privacy settings, knowing what data stays on the device, and being cautious about what is shared remain essential in an increasingly complex AI-driven ecosystem.
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