Google Gemini, while already a robust AI chatbot, requires users on Android to manually enable various Apps—essentially extensions—to harness its full potential. Google offers a range of these Apps, including Phone, Messages, Utilities, and Workspace. However, a recent communication from Google has sparked privacy concerns among users.
The company has begun notifying users via email that starting July 7, 2025, Gemini will utilize these extensions regardless of whether the Gemini App Activity setting is turned on or off. According to the email received by a colleague, Gemini will have access to Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on users’ phones, enabling it to make phone calls, adjust system settings, and send messages without explicit approval from the user. When Apps Activity is enabled, Google collects and stores user interactions—both inputs and the chatbot’s responses—in individual Google accounts.
Even if users opt-out, their activity may still be retained for up to 72 hours to ensure service functionality and maintain security. This initiative raises significant privacy issues. While the integration of these features promises convenience—allowing users to interact with Gemini without navigating through various settings—the default permission granted to access private messages and control device functions is concerning.
Moreover, the email’s instructions on opting out are vague and do not clarify the process effectively, leaving users uncertain about their control over privacy settings. We have reached out to Google for further details to clarify the situation and address these growing concerns.
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