Google's virtual keyboard, Gboard, collects user data, including search queries, usage statistics, and voice recordings from its talk-to-text feature. This data is sent to Google, although saved words and other typed information, such as passwords or chats, are not transmitted. The data collection is a part of Google's AI model training process, known as federated learning.
Users have the option to opt out of Gboard data sharing by turning off federated learning, which is enabled by default, and clearing all on-device data to prevent it from being used for AI training. To do this, go to your Android Settings, then System, Language & input, On-screen keyboard, Gboard, and select Delete learned words and data.
Additionally, users can disable audio data sharing by tapping Settings & Privacy at the top of their keyboard and toggling off Audio donations. Users can also disable usage statistics sharing, personalization, and "Improve for everyone" data collection, which sends patterns of words and phrases to Google's servers.
For users who are concerned about Gboard's data collection practices, alternative keyboards are available. HeliBoard and FUTO are two examples of offline, free, and open-source keyboards that do not collect or share user data. However, these alternatives may have limitations compared to Gboard's features.
