Google has announced an AI upgrade for Gmail and Android users that involves deeper integration of its Gemini AI across services including Phone, Messages, and WhatsApp. This update raises significant privacy concerns due to AI accessing sensitive content.
The company clarified that even if users disable Gemini Apps Activity, the AI will still assist with tasks like sending messages and making calls. However, with the activity setting off, these interactions will not be reviewed or used to train Google’s AI models. Previously, users had to keep Gemini Activity enabled for such functions, which meant storing interactions and raising privacy risks.
Despite Google’s reassurance that this change benefits users, notifications about AI accessing personal data have sparked widespread concern. Interactions via Gemini are still temporarily saved for up to 72 hours, which users should consider.
Privacy advocates stress the need for clearer, more transparent choices, especially regarding Gmail’s AI upgrades, where options appear limited. The expanded AI access to private communications marks a notable shift with potential risks for data security and individual privacy.
Similar AI integration moves are underway at WhatsApp, offering AI-generated message summaries, and across other platforms, intensifying the debate between convenience and user privacy.