Starting today, Google is rolling out a significant update that allows its Gemini AI engine to engage with third-party applications, including popular platforms like WhatsApp. This change comes even as users may have previously set their devices to restrict such interactions. For those who wish to maintain their existing privacy settings, proactive measures will be necessary.
In a recent communication to users, Google outlined this shift and directed them to a notification page. This page revealed that “human reviewers (including service providers) read, annotate, and process” the data accessed by Gemini. However, the email fell short of providing clear instructions on how to prevent these changes from taking effect. While it mentioned that users could block the apps with which Gemini interacts, it also noted that data would still be retained for a period of 72 hours.
No, Google, it’s not good news
The email’s content raises more questions than it answers, particularly regarding how users can completely disengage Gemini from their Android devices. It appears to contradict itself regarding the implementation of these changes. Initially, it states that the rollout will commence today, granting Gemini access to applications such as WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone, regardless of whether users have opted out of Gemini app activity. Yet, it later reassures users that if they have disabled these features, they will remain off.
Unfortunately, the email and the linked support pages do not provide a straightforward method for Android users to eliminate Gemini integrations entirely. To add to the confusion, one of the support pages requires users to navigate to another page to manage their Gemini app settings. Following the provided instructions via a computer browser, I accessed my account’s Gemini app settings. While I felt a sense of relief upon seeing a message indicating that no activity had been stored due to Gemini being turned off, I was met with the disconcerting note that Gemini was “not saving activity beyond 72 hours.”