Google Expands Gemini Access to Private Apps Despite User Privacy Concerns

Google recently informed some Android users that its AI assistant, Gemini, will gain access to their phone, messages, WhatsApp, and utility apps, regardless of their opt-in status. This change, set to take effect on July 7, has raised significant privacy concerns among users. The concept of an agentic AI, capable of performing tasks like ordering an Uber, summarizing your calendar, or buying cat food, is appealing. However, these functionalities require a high degree of trust and intimacy, as users must share sensitive information such as payment details and daily activities. The ability to opt out is crucial for maintaining that trust, but Google’s new policy appears to erode this option. The email, shared on Reddit and later detailed by Android Police, explains that Gemini will help users with various tasks through these apps, whether they have enabled "Gemini Apps Activity" or not. It does offer the possibility to disable these features in the app settings, but provides no clear instructions on how to do so. Additionally, when "Apps Activity" is enabled, Google stores user interactions with Gemini for up to 72 hours, and some of this data might be reviewed by human employees. This default access to personal apps could be a major point of contention for users concerned about privacy. The integration of advanced AI like Gemini into everyday applications raises questions about the boundaries of data collection and user consent. Similar to the early days of voice assistants, this development highlights the need for a serious discussion about the acceptable limits of AI integration in personal devices. The potential for data to be collected and reviewed without explicit user permission is particularly troubling. If not managed carefully, users could find their private conversations and personal information being accessed and analyzed without their knowledge. For many, the convenience of having AI handle routine tasks is overshadowed by the importance of keeping their text messages and other personal communications private. While generative AI and chatbots are becoming more prevalent in our daily lives, it is essential that companies like Google clearly communicate and respect user choices regarding data privacy. Transparency about how data is collected, stored, and used is vital to maintaining public trust in AI technologies. Users should not have to sacrifice their privacy to benefit from AI assistance, and robust mechanisms for opting out should be a standard feature. Gizmodo has reached out to Google for more detailed information on the data collection practices associated with this change. We will update this story if we receive a response. In the meantime, users are advised to review their settings and carefully consider the implications of Gemini's expanded access.