The Great Google Scam: The "Delete" Button That Deletes Nothing (medium.com)

A recent investigation by an independent security researcher has unveiled a troubling data privacy issue within Google AI Studio and the Gemini API, dubbed "Placebo Deletion." This revelation indicates that pressing the “Delete” button does not actually erase user data from Google’s backend servers as promised. Instead, the system only drops a client-side metadata pointer, creating the illusion of deletion while sensitive information remains retrievable. When the researcher utilized Google’s own file recovery tool after purportedly deleting data, they could restore erased conversations in full detail, proving that the underlying data had never been deleted. This situation poses significant implications for the AI and machine learning community, especially regarding user trust and compliance with GDPR regulations. The researcher accused Google of misleading users and developers by violating key data protection principles, such as the Right to Erasure. In response to the findings, Google allegedly engaged in censorship of the researcher’s posts and dismissed the concerns raised, highlighting persistent challenges of accountability in Big Tech. As the evidence gathered is now under review by European regulatory bodies, the case raises pressing questions about data management practices and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies in safeguarding user privacy.