Why You Shouldn’t Panic Over Gemini’s Privacy Policy Changes
This week, Google sent some Gemini users an email outlining changes to how the AI chatbot will interact with other Android apps, including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities. The message was initially interpreted as Gemini potentially gaining more access to user data, but it turns out the update doesn’t actually threaten privacy — and may actually be an improvement.
What changes with Gemini app permissions
The email states that Gemini will be able to “help you use” the above apps regardless of whether Gemini Apps Activity is enabled, though users can disable these features in the app settings page. The update is set to roll out automatically starting July 7.
When Gemini Apps Activity is enabled , Google saves your Gemini history, including conversations with Gems and Gemini Live chats, to your Google account. Previously, if this setting was disabled, you couldn’t use the Messages, Phone, Utilities, or WhatsApp extensions in Gemini, meaning you had to allow Google to save and store your conversations if you wanted to take advantage of the AI features.
Apparently, the update allows you to access Gemini functionality in these apps even if you have Gemini app activity disabled, so you don’t lose anything by not being able to save and use your chats in various ways.
It makes sense to be concerned about what interacting with AI means for your privacy. Earlier this month, we covered the nightmare that is Meta AI’s default data privacy settings , and we already know that your interactions with the chatbot are not only used to train and improve models, but can also be viewed by humans . It’s also unlikely that most users actually read the privacy policy or dig into the settings to make sure their data isn’t being mined, stored, or shared in ways they might not have consented to if it were. But this update doesn’t seem to put your privacy and data security at further risk when using Gemini.
How to disable Gemini app activity
Gemini Apps Activity is enabled by default for users 18 and older. You can disable it in the Gemini app by tapping your profile picture or initials, then Gemini Apps Activity > Turn Off > Turn Off or Turn Off and Delete Activity . Note that Google still stores your Gemini interactions on its servers for up to 72 hours when Gemini Apps Activity is turned off, but the activity will not appear on your account.