Starting July 7, Gemini will interact with apps like WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone—even if activity tracking is off.
Users worry as Gemini can store chat data for up to 72 hours without clear opt-in consent.
You can limit Gemini’s access by adjusting app permissions or uninstalling the Gemini app entirely.
Google has rolled out a new update to its Gemini AI chatbot that changes how it interacts with certain apps on Android phones. In an email sent to Android users last week, the tech giant announced that starting July 7, Gemini will be able to assist with apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, even if users have disabled Gemini Apps Activity on their device.
SurveyThe update, however, has raised privacy concerns among users as it allows Gemini to access personal data across messaging apps, including WhatsApp chats, without users opting in.
According to Google’s support page, “your chats are saved in your account for up to 72 hours, whether Gemini Apps activity is on or off.” This means that even if you’ve turned off data sharing settings, Gemini may temporarily store some information for what Google says are safety and performance purposes.
While the update is meant to make Gemini more helpful by enabling it to read messages or send replies across different apps, users are raising flags about the lack of precise controls and transparency.
How to disable Gemini’s App access
If you’re not comfortable with Gemini accessing your chats or personal data, here’s how you can limit or turn it off:
Step 1: To turn off Gemini Apps Activity, open the Gemini app on your Android phone and tap on your profile picture
Step 2: Select “Gemini Apps Activity” and toggle the feature off. Do note that Google will still store some data for up to 72 hours even when the Gemini App activity is off.
Step 3: Next, select which apps Gemini can access by clicking on your profile picture in Gemini and going to “Apps.”
Step 4: Select or deselect individual apps that you want Gemini to access.
Additionally, you can disable or uninstall the Gemini app from your phone to stop all interactions.
Also read: Meta reportedly offered over $200 million to poach Apple’s AI engineer
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Himani Jha
Himani Jha is a tech news writer at Digit. Passionate about smartphones and consumer technology, she has contributed to leading publications such as Times Network, Gadgets 360, and Hindustan Times Tech for the past five years. When not immersed in gadgets, she enjoys exploring the vibrant culinary scene, discovering new cafes and restaurants, and indulging in her love for fine literature and timeless music. View Full Profile
