Encryption is back in the limelight as Google says “Allo.”

Google’s new product, Allo, has sparked controversy over its storage of messages sent.

Allo is a messenger service, made unique by its built in artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence is when a machine can look at a situation and draw a conclusion, just like humans.

By looking at user information such as messages sent and personal information, Allo’s AI gives you information it considers pertinent. The goal is to keep the user from leaving the messenger to seek out this information.

Controversy began when it was revealed Google would store messages indefinitely, going back on a past promise to delete messages from their server once they were sent.

Google’s claim is that it needs to keep the messages to improve the AI.

Edward Snowden, known for leaking information about the NSA’s mass surveillance program, urged against the use of the product via Twitter. “Don’t use Allo”.

Many similar services also store data believed by users to be private. Messages sent on Instagram and Twitter are easily accessible by respective parent companies. If asked, these companies would have to hand messages over to law enforcement.

Snapchat does encrypt its messages and also deletes them once they’re opened. Unopened messages are held for 30 days, however, and these could be taken by law enforcement.

Williston Students, avid social media users to whom this is particularly relevant, spoke on the matter.

Molly Solan, a sophomore, is among the many students who don’t know what encryption is, however she’s all right with the police seeing her information “as long as they have a valid reason.”

Caleb Stern, another sophomore, is concerned how many people don’t know of the lack of privacy on social media. “People need to be more aware that their messages and data is not private most of the time.”

Privacy advocates such as Snowden recommend the use of Signal or Whatsapp. These two services differ in that they offer end to end encryption, making messages sent on them more private.