Generative AI

Some websites and apps push you toward using their AI features, or turn them on whether you want them or not. Pushing people with ethical concerns about generative AI into using it anyway is an ethical problem in itself. However, there are ways you can exercise more control over this.

Generative AI Tools on Websites

For websites, certain browser extensions can disable generative AI features. Extensions are small programs that run inside your web browser and interact with websites in specific ways. One extension available for Firefox and some other browsers, uBlock Origin, allows you to disable specific elements on websites.

Disabling Generative AI Features with uBlock Origin

1. Install uBlock Origin on your browser. Be aware that there are different extensions available with similar names, and the steps below require uBlock Origin.
2. Visit a website with a generative AI feature you would like to disable.
3. Click on the icon for uBlock Origin at the top of your web browser. A small window will appear on your screen.
4. Select the option called "Enter element picker mode." In the row of icons in the pop-up window, it is the second from the left.
5. Hover your pointer over the generative AI feature on the screen. It will highlight the part of the website that will be affected.
6. Select the generative AI feature. Another pop-up window will appear.
7. Click "Create" in the pop-up window that just appeared. This will create a rule in uBlock Origin that prevents the generative AI feature from appearing on this website again.

Note that not all browser extensions are available for all web browsers, and you should verify that an extension is trustworthy before installing it.

You can also see if the website has a section with options or settings that you can configure to remove these features. Be aware that many sites will not give you these options.

Generative AI Tools Inside Apps

With an app, you generally have less control over its behavior and appearance than you do on a website. Check the Settings or Options section of the app to see if there is a way to disable its generative AI features.

If that is not possible, you can explore whether the app also exists as a website version that might give you more control over it. You also have the option of switching to another app that does not have generative AI features or allows you to turn them off.

Be sure to also research the security and stability of any alternative app before downloading it. App stores will show information about the app's security features and required permissions, and user reviews are a good way to learn about performance issues.