It’s a common trend nowadays – you come across stunning CGI images of your friends on social media and wonder how you can create one too. With filters and self-portrait apps becoming more advanced, you can now transform yourself into a Hollywood-like character from an animated film, complete with flawless hair, skin, and facial features.
One of the latest apps in this realm is Lensa AI. You simply upload around 10 photos, and its AI algorithm maps your facial features to generate several fantasy selfies of you. However, these magical avatars aren’t entirely free. While you can download the app for free with limited features, you need to pay for additional access. For example, unlimited access for one week costs $2.99, and there are various pricing tiers for avatar packs and membership, ranging from $3.99 to $35.99.
At first glance, it may seem like harmless digital fun, and who wouldn’t want a fabulous profile picture? But what many of these app companies don’t disclose is the hidden cost – your data privacy rights. By using Lensa AI and similar self-portrait apps, you may be unknowingly giving up your privacy rights, and this can extend beyond just the app itself.
Why Worry About Data Privacy with Lensa AI & Similar Apps?
With regulations like GDPR in place, software and app developers are now required to disclose how they handle your data. Upon examining the app on the Mac App Store, several concerning aspects come to light.
Tracking Your Data Usage
Upon installing the Lensa AI app, it has the ability to track your phone activity. The app store discloses that the app may utilize purchases and unique identifiers to monitor your actions. This tracking is not limited to just within the Lensa AI app, but can extend to other websites and apps owned by different companies.
Data Collected
When you download Lensa AI, the app has the ability to access various data points on your device, which you permit upon installation. Some of this data may be linked to you personally, including your name, IP address, or phone number. Other data is collected without being linked to any identifier, such as:
Data collected and linked to you:
- User content, such as the images you upload
Data collected, but not linked to you:
- Purchases you make on websites or apps
- Usage data for apps, etc.
- Identifiers, which may include information like city or gender (though not specified)
- Diagnostics from your device
Loss of Control over Your Uploaded Images
The handling of user data by apps like Lensa AI remains unclear and raises concerns. Many tech companies, including Facebook, have a history of mishandling user data, and the vague language in their terms and conditions leaves room for exploitation.
A section in the Lensa AI Terms of Service that users must agree to states the following:
“…solely for the purposes of operating or improving Lensa, you grant us a time-limited, revocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully-paid, transferable, sub-licensable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, create derivative works of your User Content, without any additional compensation to you…”
The phrase “for the purposes of operating” is ambiguous and could potentially allow the company to use your images to generate more revenue for the business. Furthermore, the terms state that the company can modify, distribute, and create derivative works from your user content without your additional consent or compensation.
Things You Can Do to Protect Your Data Privacy
Don’t Jump on Every Fad Right Away
It’s tempting to join the hype and download the latest app that everyone’s talking about, but it’s wise to wait and see. Most likely, those trendy avatar images from a selfie app won’t be flooding your feed after a week or so.
Read and Understand App Terms & Conditions
Take the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of an app. You may unknowingly give up significant data privacy rights, including granting the app the ability to track your activities on your device. Be aware of the risks before downloading a new app.
Restrict Data Collection
If you do decide to use an app, take steps to make it as secure as possible. This includes using your device’s privacy and security settings to restrict data collection features, whenever possible.
Use your phone’s privacy and security settings to disable data sharing. For the Lensa AI app, you can also contact the company to request the deletion of your data from their servers. According to their privacy policy, you can email privacy@lensa-ai.com for questions and concerns.
Schedule a Device Privacy Checkup
As you use more apps, data privacy can become complex. Don’t leave it to chance. Contact us to schedule a device privacy checkup and ensure your privacy is protected.