Google’s Gemini AI Now Integrates with WhatsApp and Android Messaging Apps, Raising Privacy Concerns

A recent update to Google’s Gemini AI has sparked concerns regarding user privacy. Android users with Gemini installed may find that the AI now has access to WhatsApp messages, text messages, calls, and various utilities by default, even if they had previously disabled certain permissions. This change, which started on June 7, requires users to manually adjust the app’s settings or uninstall it entirely to prevent data collection. While Gemini’s integration is not automatically installed for those who have not downloaded the app, users who have it installed will see the AI accessing more personal communications unless action is taken. Users can disable the new cross-app integration, but it is not entirely clear how to do so. Those who disable the Gemini Apps Activity setting can stop the AI from sending data to Google, though Gemini will still access app data for up to 72 hours. For those wishing to completely prevent Gemini from interacting with their apps, they must individually uncheck each app or disable the AI entirely via the device settings. Although this new functionality is optional, Google’s move has drawn significant criticism for its potential invasion of privacy, with some users now considering alternatives like privacy-focused operating systems.