Is Google Lens Safe?

If you use or plan to use Google Lens, you need to know: Is Google Lens safe? 

Below, we explain whether Google Lens is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this visual search tool. 

What Is Google Lens?

Google Lens is a visual search tool developed by Google that uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to identify objects, text, and landmarks through a device’s camera. 

When you point your camera at something and use Google Lens, it can recognize the object or text and provide relevant information, suggestions, or actions based on what it sees.

For example, if you point Google Lens at a plant, it might be able to identify the type of plant and offer care tips. Or, if you scan text, you can use Google Lens to translate it, copy it to your clipboard, or search for more information about it online.

The tool can also recognize barcodes, QR codes, products, and fashion items, allowing users to find similar products online or learn more about what they’re looking at.

Google Lens is integrated into various Google products, such as Google Photos and Google Assistant, and is available as a standalone app on Android and iOS devices. 

Is Google Lens Safe?

Depends on your definition of “safe.”

Google uses encrypted connections (HTTPS) to transmit data between your device and its servers, which helps protect your data from being intercepted by unauthorized parties during transmission.

Google Lens requires specific permissions to access your camera and photos.  You can control these permissions through your device’s settings, allowing you to manage what Google Lens can access and limiting its functionality.

Although Google Lens has not been associated with data breaches at the time of writing, Google itself has, including recent findings that its services are recording users, leaking addresses, and transcribing and storing license plates without authorization. 

Is Google Lens safe for iPhone?

Yes, Google Lens is seen as safe for iPhones as it is for Android devices. 

However, note that Google Lens requires certain permissions, like access to your camera, to function. Some privacy-focused individuals may not like this. 

Additionally, while Google Lens itself hasn’t experienced any (reported) breaches (at the time of writing), Google has had plenty of privacy controversies. 

Is Google Lens safe, according to Reddit?

Not in terms of privacy. 

Privacy-conscious Redditors warn that Google (and any tool it offers, including Google Lens) collects a lot of data about users, so using it may not be worth it. However, that depends on your threat model and the level of data collection you’re personally okay with. 

Is Google Lens safe to use?

That depends on your definition of “safe.” 

Google uses HTTPS encryption to securely transmit data between your device and its servers, protecting it from unauthorized interception during transmission.

Google Lens requires permission to access your camera, photos, and more. You can manage these permissions in your device’s settings to control what the app can access and limit its functionality if desired.

Although Google Lens hasn’t been linked to data breaches, Google has faced issues related to unauthorized data collection and privacy concerns.

According to Google Lens’ App Store privacy label, the tool may collect data like user content, usage data, location, contacts, search history, identifiers, financial information, and more.

Is Google Lens safe for PCs?

Yes, Google Lens is as safe for PCs as it is for other devices. 

Note that Google Lens requires permission to access your camera, photos, and other data. 

You can manage these permissions in your device’s settings to control what the app can access and limit its functionality.

While Google Lens hasn’t been linked to any data breaches, Google has faced issues related to unauthorized data collection and privacy concerns in the past.

According to its App Store privacy label, Google Lens may collect data such as user content, usage data, location, contacts, search history, and more. 

Is Google Lens Private?

Again, depends on your definition of “private,” but generally speaking, no. 

Because Google Lens is owned by Google, a company that is not known for privacy, many privacy-conscious individuals choose not to use it. 

However, if you do choose to use Google Lens, you can manage and delete your Lens activity through the Google My Activity page. You can also review what data Google Lens has collected and delete it if you prefer not to keep a record of your interactions.

The tool’s privacy label on the App Store says it might collect data like user content, usage data, location, contacts, search history, identifiers, financial information, and more. 

Google Lens doesn’t have its own privacy policy. Instead, it’s the same as Google’s overall policy.

Google’s privacy policy states that they do not sell your personal information to third parties. 

Terms of Service; Didn’t Read (ToS;DR), a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies, gives Google a “Grade E.” This means, “The terms of service raise very serious concerns.”

Among the concerns listed are the following:

• Google stores data on people whether they use the service or not.
• Users’ identities are used in ads shown to other users.
• It holds onto content that users have deleted.

On the plus side, ToS;DR notes that you can request access and deletion of your data and the service reviews its privacy policy regularly. 

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On Google Lens

Follow the steps below for a more private and secure experience while using Google Lens. 

• Limit camera and photo access. Only allow Google Lens to access your camera and photos when necessary. You can adjust these permissions in your device’s settings under Apps & notifications (Android) or Privacy (iOS).
• Turn off location access. Prevent Google Lens from using your location by turning off location access for the app in your device’s settings.
• Use Incognito Mode in Google Assistant. Enable Incognito Mode in Google Assistant when using Google Lens to prevent your activity from being saved to your Google account.
• Review and delete Google Lens activity. Regularly check and delete your Google Lens activity through the Google My Activity page to control what data is stored and for how long.
• Pause Web & App Activity. Pause Web & App Activity in your Google Account settings to stop Google from saving your searches and interactions with Google Lens.
• Use Google Lens without signing in. Whenever possible, use Google Lens without signing into your Google account to reduce the amount of data associated with your identity.
• Avoid scanning sensitive information. Be cautious about scanning sensitive personal information, documents, or private areas to minimize the risk of this data being processed by Google’s servers.
• Manage ad personalization. In your Google Account settings, you can opt out of personalized ads to limit how data from Google Lens is used across other Google services.
• Keep the app updated. Regularly update the Google Lens app to ensure you have the latest security features and privacy enhancements.