Google's AI accesses WhatsApp messages, here's how to prevent Gemini from using your apps.
In a recent development, Google's AI Assistant, Gemini, has extended its capabilities to interact more seamlessly with Android devices starting July 7, 2025. This update allows Gemini to access data from third-party apps like WhatsApp, a move that has sparked concerns about user privacy and data security.
While Gemini does not automatically scan or read WhatsApp conversations, it can access message previews, content, and notifications when prompted by the user or through system notifications. This access occurs by default, which has raised questions about the level of informed consent received from users.
Google assures that conversations captured through Gemini Apps are stored on their servers for up to 72 hours, even if Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. However, if the activity is on, some chat data may be studied by human reviewers for up to three years to assess quality. This temporary retention and potential review of data has led to serious privacy concerns among experts and users.
To address these concerns, Google offers users several options to limit Gemini's access. Users can disable Gemini Apps Activity, adjust app-specific permissions in the Gemini app, or fully disable Gemini. However, even after disabling, some data retention still occurs for short periods.
WhatsApp messages are end-to-end encrypted, and Gemini only has access to the messages you enter via the AI. It cannot read or summarize WhatsApp conversations or notifications. To make a WhatsApp call or send a message with Gemini, the user must have previously activated the connection with the app in the Gemini settings.
The expansion of Gemini's features is intended to help users with more daily tasks. The new functionality applies to users in the US and Germany. If users wish to disable or delete Gemini, they can do so through their device settings.
This setup makes user data less private than typical messaging apps expect, with AI accessing sensitive data through system-level integration rather than direct user authorization. It is crucial for users to review and manage Gemini’s app permissions and activity settings or disable it entirely if they are concerned about their privacy.
Artificial-intelligence (AI) like Google's AI Assistant, Gemini, can now access message previews, content, and notifications from third-party apps, such as WhatsApp, through system-level integration. To maintain privacy, it is crucial for users to review and manage Gemini’s app permissions and activity settings or disable it entirely.
