A new privacy alert has emerged. This news is raising concerns among Android users. Google is rolling out a new update for its Gemini AI assistant. This update introduces deeper integration with system apps like Phone, Messages, and WhatsApp. Other apps and utilities are also included.
This update took effect on July 7, 2025, and users were informed through email.
It has raised concerns about how much control people really have over their personal data. Even if Gemini AI’s activity is turned off, it can still view message previews. This has made many users worry about their privacy and shows why it’s important to stay alert and careful.
What Did Google Say?
On its official support page, Google stated that Gemini Apps offer direct access to Google AI. Interactions with Gemini are temporarily stored for up to 72 hours.
According to Google, Gemini AI does not train its models on your data. Instead, temporary data storage is used solely to ensure service functionality and user experience. Yet, the nature of these temporary logs has raised eyebrows in the privacy-conscious community.
What Has Changed with Gemini?
The key concern lies in the recent change. Even if you’ve disabled “Gemini Apps Activity”, the AI assistant can still assist with tasks. These tasks involve apps like WhatsApp and Messages. It can also help more apps. This means Gemini still access message previews and system-level information for up to 72 hours. This access happens even if you’ve opted out of activity tracking.
Gemini is designed to help with practical functions like sending messages, setting reminders, or providing contextual support. The lack of transparency and clarity around data handling causes users to question their control. They wonder how much control they have over their personal information.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are worried about your data privacy after this update, here are a few simple things you can do:
1. Check Your Google Settings
Go to your Google account and review the privacy settings, especially in the Data & Personalisation section.
Make sure everything is set the that you want. This helps you stay in control of how your personal information is being used.
2. Turn Off App Permissions
Go into your phone’s settings. Turn off permissions for apps like Messages or WhatsApp to prevent Gemini from accessing them. It’s a good way to limit what the assistant can see or do.
3. Use With Caution
Google does not clarify everything. So, it’s better to avoid using Gemini AI for private or sensitive information.
4. Keep Yourself Updated
Keep check for any new updates from Google official page or trusted tech news sources. This way, you will know if anything changes and what you can do to protect your data better.
Being aware and taking small steps now can make a big difference in protecting your privacy in the long run.
