Google is rolling out AI-powered upgrades to Gmail and Android apps, affecting its 2 billion Gmail users and Android device owners.
The new features will allow Google’s cloud-based AI, Gemini, to access content across apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities—to assist with tasks such as sending messages and setting timers.
However, this integration raises privacy concerns, as it involves AI accessing sensitive personal data, even when users disable certain activity settings. Google clarified that turning off “Gemini Apps Activity” will prevent data from being used to improve AI models, but basic AI functions will still operate on Android devices.
This represents a shift from previous handling, where disabling activity would stop AI access. Currently, interactions with Gemini on Android are saved temporarily for up to 72 hours, prompting privacy warnings about potential exposure of call logs, private messages, and chat data.
Critics call for clearer privacy controls and transparent opt-in choices, especially for Gmail’s AI features, which are currently presented as default updates with limited user agency.
Similarly, WhatsApp is introducing AI features, such as message thread summaries, further advancing AI integration into personal communications.
As AI becomes more embedded in everyday apps, users must weigh convenience against privacy implications amid complex and evolving data policies.