- By Prateek Levi
- Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:35 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Google Gemini: Last week, many Android users were surprised to receive an email from Google informing them of an upcoming change in how its Gemini AI interacts with certain apps on their phones. Starting July 7, Gemini will begin integrating more deeply with apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities—even if users have previously disabled Gemini Apps activity.
In the email, Google stated:
“Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and Utilities on your phone,”
— a message that left many confused due to its vague language.
What’s raising eyebrows even more is Google’s clarification on its website, where it explains: “Gemini apps give you direct access to Google AI” and “your chats are saved in your account for up to 72 hours, whether Gemini Apps activity is on or off.”
This essentially means that some of your data—including potentially sensitive information from WhatsApp chats—may still be temporarily stored by Google, even if you’ve opted out of Gemini activity tracking.
While these updates aim to make Gemini more functional—like reading your WhatsApp messages and replying on your behalf—they are also sparking concern among privacy-conscious users who feel this could be too intrusive.
How to Manage or Disable Gemini App Activity
If you’re uncomfortable with Gemini accessing your app data, here’s how you can take control:
- Open the Gemini app on your Android phone.
- Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select “Gemini Apps Activity.”
- This will open a new page with a toggle that allows you to turn the feature off.
However, it’s important to note that:
Despite you turning off the feature, Google will still store your data for up to 72 hours "to maintain safety and security of Gemini apps."
If you prefer to limit Gemini’s access to specific apps:
- Tap your profile picture again in the Gemini app.
- Click on “Apps.”
- From here, you can choose which apps Gemini is allowed to connect with.
Alternatively, you can disable the Gemini app entirely to stop any tracking or interaction on your device.
As Gemini evolves, Google seems to be walking a fine line between improving AI integration and respecting user privacy. For now, users have some level of control—but whether it’s enough remains a hot topic.