Think twice before using Lensa AI and other selfie apps

It's a popular theme. You start seeing these amazing CGI images of your friends on Facebook or Instagram and you want to do the same.  

Filters and selfie apps have come a long way. Now you can transform yourself into a Hollywood version of a character in the next blockbuster animated movie. They look a bit like you, only a dream version with "perfect" hair, skin, and facial features.

The latest of these modern vanity marvels to make the rounds is Lensa AI. You upload about 10 photos so the app can feed that data into its AI algorithm. Then, once it's mapped your facial features, it generates several fantastic selfies of you.  

These magical avatars aren't free, however. While you can download the app for free and use it in limited ways, you have to pay to do more.  

You have to pay $2.99 ​​for unlimited access for one week. There are several pricing tiers for its avatar sets and membership access. These range from $3.99 for 1 avatar to $35.99 for full membership.

It's just a harmless little digital treat, right? That's what many companies that make apps like this want you to think. Vanity is an easy sell, and besides, who doesn't want a fabulous profile picture?

For Lensa AI and several similar selfie apps, you're paying more than you think. The cost comes from the data privacy rights you give up. These can extend far beyond the app itself.  

Why worry about data privacy with Lensa AI and similar apps?

Thanks to laws like GDPR, software and app developers must tell you what they do with your data. Looking at the app on the Mac App Store, a few alarming things jump out.  

Data is used to track you

Once you download the Lensa AI app, it can track your phone's activity. The App Store states that the app may use purchases and unique identifiers to track you. This doesn't just mean tracking you when you use the Lensa AI app. It can track you across websites and apps owned by other companies.  

Data collected

Lensa AI scans your device for many different data points. By downloading it, you're allowing it to do so. Some of the tracking links are about you personally (such as your name, IP address , or phone number). It collects a lot of other data, but not with your name or any other identifier on it.  

The data collected and linked to you are:  

• User Content (such as images you upload)

The data collected, but not linked to you, are:  

• Purchases you make on websites or apps
• Usage data for apps, etc.
• Identifiers (this is not specified, but could mean things like city or your gender)
• Diagnostics from your device  

Loss of rights to your downloaded images

What apps like Lensa AI do with your data is a gray area. Many tech companies, such as Facebook, are known for their irresponsible handling of user data. Many are intentionally vague in their terms and conditions.

A section of Lensa AI's Terms of Service that users agree to states the following:  

“…solely for the purpose of operating or improving Lensa, you grant us a time-limited, revocable, non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide, fully paid, transferable, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, distribute, and create derivative works from your User Content, without any additional compensation to you…”  

For the sole purpose of "running" Lensa, this could mean anything. It could mean that in order to make more money to run the business, the company needs to use your images. Note that it also states that it can modify, distribute, etc. YOUR user content.  

What you can do to protect your data privacy

Don't jump on every trend immediately

This one can be difficult when you see all your friends using a new app, and that's totally normal. Try waiting a week, though. Those avatar pictures from the latest selfie app most likely won't be blowing up your feed anymore.  

Read the terms and conditions of the application

Take the time to read an app's terms. You often give up more data privacy rights than you realize. This includes giving an app the ability to track just about everything you do on your device. Be aware of the risks before downloading a new app.  

Restrict data collection

If you can't resist an app's charms, at least make it as secure as possible. This includes taking the time to restrict its data-collection features, where 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 that it delete your data from its servers. Its privacy policy states that you should email privacy@lensa-ai.com with any questions or concerns.

Get device privacy control

The more apps you use, the more complicated data privacy can become. Don't leave it to chance. We're happy to help. Contact us now to schedule a device privacy audit.  

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.