Gemini AI's Latest Feature From Google Triggers Privacy Concerns: Start Accessing Phone And Message Apps

Google can save user conversations with Gemini (photo: x @TekTrndz)

JAKARTA - Google will soon expand Gemini AI's ability to access core applications such as Phone, Message, and WhatsApp, even when the Gemini Apps Activity settings are turned off.

The changes, which took effect on July 7, 2025, immediately sparked concerns among users about privacy, although Google insists that the data collected will not be used to train AI as long as activity arrangements are turned off.

Gemini, Google's AI assistant, is an important part of the Android ecosystem. With Gemini's deepening integration into private communications apps, a big question arises: to what extent can this AI access our information, and do users really have control?

Google sends notifications to Android users saying that Gemini will soon "help" in the Phone, Message, and WhatsApp applications. However, the content of the notification is considered too vague and does not explain in detail what is meant by "helping". Will Gemini read private messages? Summarizing the contents of the call? Public reactions were immediately filled with anxiety and speculation.

Although users are told they can disable this feature via app settings, Google does not provide clear instructions on how to do it. Worse, there are concerns that Gemini can still access data from these apps even though users have turned off other features.

In response to widespread unrest, Google provides clarification. The company states that the main goal of this update is to improve user convenience by providing a more integrated experience. For example, users can ask Gemini to send text messages, make calls, or make reminders based on the context of communication.

Google also confirmed that if Gemini Apps Activity is turned off, conversations with Gemini will not be seen by humans and will not be used to train their AI model. However, the data will still be stored for a maximum of 72 hours for service, security and feedback processing purposes before being permanently removed.

'Gemini Apps Activity'

This setting allows Google to save user conversations with Gemini, including AI questions and responses. The data can then be used to improve services and train AI models. However, if this feature is turned off, the data is not used for training, although it is temporarily stored for 72 hours.

With this feature, Gemini can still take actions such as sending messages or making direct calls. However, whether the data from that action will be used for AI training depends on activity settings.

Google hopes this deeper integration can increase user efficiency, allowing them to interact with smartphones without the need to change apps. However, this also raises a big dilemma: is this comfort worth the privacy risk?

Although Google promises security and transparency, many users still feel doubtful. Especially in an era where data leaks often occur, depending entirely on company promises, even Google's size, it's not easy for those who prioritize privacy.

July 7 will be an important moment for millions of Android users. This change highlights the huge challenges facing the entire technology industry: how to integrate AI deeply into everyday life without sacrificing user privacy and trust. In the AI era like now, privacy and the right to data are issues that cannot be ignored.