One of the biggest questions Jessamyn West gets at Drop-In Time at the library (besides “what is taking up all my cloud storage?”) is how to disable or avoid intrusive AI that shows up where people don’t want it. Her guide is for people who would like less intrusive AI in their tech environment.
Apps & services with AI you can turn off
- Adobe Acrobat / Reader — disable generative-AI features in preferences.
- Android / Google Gemini — toggle off Gemini in Messages, connected apps, and the power-button shortcut.
- Amazon — browser extensions to disable “Alexa for Shopping.”
- Apple Intelligence & Siri — turn off on newer iPhone/iPad/Mac in settings.
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, etc.) — disable “smart features.”
- Microsoft Windows 11 / Copilot — uninstall or toggle off embedded Copilot.
- Microsoft Office 365 / Outlook — per-app Copilot toggles.
- Slack — admins can manage or disable workspace AI.
- WhatsApp — turn off AI suggested replies, sticker suggestions, and message summaries.
- Yahoo Mail — disable message-summary AI.
- Zoom — manage AI features in account settings.
See more on librarian.net. Via Hacker News.
— Source: Adafruit Industries – Makers, hackers, artists, designers and engineers! — Read More
