Google is rolling out AI enhancements across its Gmail and Android platforms, affecting over 2 billion users. The update integrates Google’s cloud-based AI more deeply with user content, raising privacy concerns.
The new AI features include smart search and reply functions, which require access to personal and sensitive data, conflicting with Gmail’s limited end-to-end encryption.
Recently, users received an email suggesting AI would access data from apps like Messages and WhatsApp even if the “Gemini Apps Activity” setting was disabled. This caused widespread alarm, as it appeared AI would review texts regardless of user consent.
Google clarified that while Android devices will use AI to assist with daily tasks such as sending messages or making calls whether “Gemini Apps Activity” is on or off, disabling this setting prevents AI interactions from being used to improve Google’s AI models. Previously, these interactions would have been saved only if the setting was enabled.
However, some data from AI use on Android will still be retained for up to 72 hours, even if activity tracking is off, prompting ongoing privacy worries.
Experts emphasize the need for transparent and straightforward privacy controls similar to those Android users now receive. Privacy advocates warn that deeper AI integration with apps accessing highly personal data like call logs and private messages increases risks related to data security and personal privacy.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp plans to introduce AI summaries for message threads, sparking debate over user consent and data privacy in AI-powered communication tools.
As these AI-powered features expand, users face challenging decisions balancing convenience with control over personal data amid complex privacy policies.