Google is rolling out AI enhancements to Gmail and Android devices, impacting its 2 billion users. The upgrades increase the use of AI across Google services, raising privacy concerns over data access and handling.
Recently, Android users received an email suggesting that Google’s Gemini AI would access data from apps like Phone, Messages, and WhatsApp even if Gemini Apps Activity was disabled. This message sparked widespread alarm that Google would analyze personal messages regardless of user consent.
Google has clarified that the email was misleading. While Gemini will assist with tasks such as sending messages and making calls on Android devices even with Gemini Activity turned off, the data used in these interactions will not be reviewed or employed to train AI models unless the user enables activity tracking.
However, even with activity turned off, interactions with Gemini are saved temporarily for up to 72 hours within the user’s account. This raises ongoing privacy considerations.
The integration of AI across apps poses challenges in balancing convenience and trust. Users face complex privacy choices, complicated further by dense policies and lack of clear options, especially for younger users lacking privacy awareness.
Additionally, Google is introducing Gemini AI into educational settings. The AI will assist with lesson planning and real-time feedback, but critics warn about the implications for student privacy and the broader impact AI may have on learning.
In its 2025 Gen AI and LLM Data Privacy Ranking, research firm Incogni notes that while AI tools boost productivity, many users remain unaware of the privacy risks surrounding data sharing and misuse. Google, Microsoft, and Apple deploy AI extensively across their platforms, amplifying potential exposure of personal data faster than regulatory oversight can address.
Despite concerns, Google ranks relatively well in transparency and data usage policies compared to other tech giants. For instance, Google’s Gemini for Education adheres to Workspace for Education’s privacy standards, ensuring student data is not used for AI training or human review.