Google has confirmed an important update for its 2 billion Gmail users, integrating AI more deeply across its email and Android platforms. This upgrade allows Google’s AI, Gemini, to access data from various apps to assist with daily tasks, raising new privacy considerations.
An email from Google caused confusion by suggesting Gemini could access sensitive apps like Messages and WhatsApp even if users disabled Gemini App Activity. Google clarified that while some AI functions continue working with the setting off, user interactions with Gemini chats are not reviewed or used to improve AI models when App Activity is disabled.
Previously, Gemini required App Activity to be enabled for messaging features, which stored user interactions—a potential privacy issue. The recent update improves user choice by allowing key AI functionalities without saving interaction data for model training. However, Gemini still retains data for up to 72 hours within user accounts, even if App Activity is off.
This change, effective July 7, 2025, balances convenience with privacy, but also sparks concerns about AI accessing personal data such as call logs, private messages, and WhatsApp chats. Privacy experts highlight the challenges of increased AI integration and urge users to understand the implications fully.
The AI rollout extends to education, with Gemini being introduced in schools to support lesson planning and real-time feedback. This expansion raises questions about data security and the role of AI in learning environments.
Incogni’s 2025 Gen AI and Large Language Model (LLM) Data Privacy Ranking reports that while AI tools can enhance productivity, many users remain unaware of privacy risks. The report notes that Google, Microsoft, and Apple are integrating AI widely across operating systems, increasing potential data exposure faster than regulatory oversight can manage.
In privacy rankings, Google performs better than some competitors in transparency and limiting data use for AI training, particularly emphasizing protections in its Education offerings, where student data is not used for AI model training or human review.
Overall, the update reflects Google’s efforts to provide AI capabilities while addressing privacy concerns, but experts recommend users stay informed and exercise caution as AI becomes more integrated into daily digital life.