Google is rolling out AI enhancements across its services, including Gmail and Android devices, affecting over 2 billion users. These updates allow Google’s cloud-based AI to access personal content to provide smart features like AI-driven search, replies, and task completion.
However, privacy concerns have emerged as users worry about sensitive data access. An email from Google sparked alarm by suggesting AI would access apps like Messages and WhatsApp even if users disable the Gemini Apps Activity setting.
Google clarified that while AI will assist with tasks such as sending messages and making calls regardless of this setting, turning off Gemini Apps Activity prevents chat data from being reviewed or used to improve AI models. Previously, users had to keep the setting enabled, which meant their interactions were saved.
This change offers users more control and addresses some privacy risks, though AI interactions are still stored temporarily—up to 72 hours—even when activity tracking is off.
Privacy experts warn that deeper AI integration into communication apps raises valid concerns about access to personal calls, messages, and chat content, highlighting the tension between convenience and data security.
Calls for clearer, transparent privacy options remain, especially for AI integration in Gmail, where users currently face limited choice. Similar AI features are also rolling out in other platforms such as WhatsApp, offering AI-generated summaries of conversations.
As AI becomes more embedded in daily communication, users must weigh convenience against privacy risks and understand the policies governing their data.