AI Integration Needs More Consent: Users Feel Compelled Rather Than Given a Choice
In the modern world of smartphones, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a common feature, playing a role in various functions such as optimizing network connections, creating photos, and managing charging. However, concerns about privacy and the extent of AI's influence on our devices have led many to seek ways to control or limit its use.
Samsung, a leading smartphone manufacturer, provides users with the means to manage AI integration on their Galaxy devices. By navigating to the Settings app and selecting the Galaxy AI (or AI-related option depending on the model), users can control a list of AI-powered features like Photo Assist, Writing Assist, voice transcription, and other smart functions.
Users have the option to toggle off individual AI features they do not wish to use actively, or they can use a master toggle to disable all AI features related to a specific category, such as photo editing AI. For devices like the Galaxy S25 or newer, there is an additional setting called "Process data only on device," which forces AI tasks to run locally on the phone rather than sending data to cloud servers, enhancing privacy while limiting cloud-dependent features.
While some features like automatic summaries or generative AI editing may not work if you restrict processing to on-device only, it is important to note that completely uninstalling system AI components is generally not possible due to their deep integration into the OS. However, disabling them prevents active use.
The author of this article suggests that while it may not be possible to fully remove AI from the OS if it is deeply embedded, users can still exercise control over their Galaxy smartphones by disabling or limiting AI features and choosing local (on-device) processing to protect their privacy and reduce AI’s influence on their phone experience.
The author also raises concerns about the invasive nature of AI, particularly when it has elevated permissions, and expresses a desire for a way to remove such invasive AI from smartphones. As Samsung is reportedly working on integrating Perplexity AI into its Galaxy smartphones, the author expresses reservations about this development, citing a lack of trust in Perplexity as a company and caution about buying a new Razr or Pixel due to the invasive AI built into the system.
In conclusion, while Android may not be as open as it once was, users can still perform smart things by taking control of their AI integration settings. The author suggests that the best option would be to buy a phone without the invasive AI pre-installed, offering a more trustworthy and user-controlled digital life in the future.
Samsung's Galaxy devices allow users to control their interaction with artificial intelligence (AI) by managing AI-powered features within the Settings app. For example, users can disable or limit AI functions like Photo Assist, Writing Assist, and voice transcription, or opt for local processing to enhance privacy. However, the author expresses concerns about the invasive nature of AI, particularly AI systems with elevated permissions, and expresses a desire for smartphones without invasive AI pre-installed for a more trustworthy and user-controlled digital life.
