Google Clarifies Gemini's Privacy Update: Enhanced Functionality Without Compromising User Data
18 Sources
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Gemini is getting ready to replace Google Assistant on Android
Jess Weatherbed is a news writer focused on creative industries, computing, and internet culture. Jess started her career at TechRadar, covering news and hardware reviews. Android users will soon be able to let Gemini control device features and apps with fewer privacy concerns. In an email seen
[2]
What do Google's Gemini privacy changes actually mean?
An email sent to the AI chatbot's users made waves in the tech press. A Google email about Gemini privacy is causing quite the stir. The alarm came from a change in what the chatbot can access when your history is turned off. However, the update's implications are far less sensational than
[3]
You're not alone: This email from Google's Gemini team is concerning
While the email says users can disable these features in the "App settings," it offers no specific steps to do so. Google's Gemini team is apparently sending out emails about an upcoming change to how Gemini interacts with apps on Android devices. The email informs users that, come July 7, 2025,
[4]
Google to Gemini Users: We’re Going to Look at Your Texts Whether You Like It or Not
An email sent out to Android users should raise the eyebrows of anyone worried about privacy. The idea of agentic AI is pretty appealing. Like, sure, I want AI to order my Uber, summarize my calendar, or buy cat food when I run out so my little monster doesn't go hungry, but all of those very
[5]
Google clears the air on Gemini email, says 'this update is good for users'
Google has clarified what Gemini's upcoming July 7 update for Android devices really means and how it'll affect Android users. The company responded to an email query from Android Authority, confirming that Gemini will soon be able to help with everyday tasks like sending messages, making phone
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What AP found this week: Gemini is getting better for people with privacy concerns
In your Google account settings, you can choose whether you want your "Gemini Apps Activity" saved long-term to improve your experience with the AI. Until now, people who weren't comfortable with this option being enabled have lost access to some fairly major Gemini functionality. This week, we
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Upcoming Gemini for Android change sparks major privacy concerns
Google Gemini in itself is powerful, but on Android, you must manually enable Apps -- think of them as extensions -- to make the AI chatbot even more powerful. Google currently offers several Apps for Gemini, such Phone, Messages, Utilities, Workspace, and more. Now, in a move that's bound to raise
[8]
Upcoming Gemini for Android change lets you use more apps with fewer privacy concerns
Google Gemini in itself is powerful, but on Android, you must manually enable Apps -- think of them as extensions -- to make the AI chatbot even more powerful. Google currently offers several Apps for Gemini, such as Phone, Messages, Utilities, Workspace, and more. Now, in a move that should help
[9]
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What AP found this week: Gemini is getting better for people with privacy concerns In your Google account settings, you can choose whether you want your "Gemini Apps Activity" saved long-term to improve your experience with the AI. Until now, people who weren't comfortable with this option being
[10]
What's your favorite navigation app that isn't Google Maps?
What AP found this week: Gemini is getting better for people with privacy concerns In your Google account settings, you can choose whether you want your "Gemini Apps Activity" saved long-term to improve your experience with the AI. Until now, people who weren't comfortable with this option being
[11]
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What AP found this week: Gemini is getting better for people with privacy concerns In your Google account settings, you can choose whether you want your "Gemini Apps Activity" saved long-term to improve your experience with the AI. Until now, people who weren't comfortable with this option being
[12]
Google Gemini is coming for your private apps. Here's how to stop it
Starting July, Google's AI assistant Gemini will have access to even more apps on your device -- even if you don't actually use it. Google recently informed some users that Gemini AI will have access to numerous new apps starting July 7th, 2025. These include messaging apps and messengers such as
[13]
Google Gemini under fire for major privacy change -- what you need to know
A new series of emails regarding changes to Google Gemini has reportedly been sent to some users. However, the information presented has raised some concerns about just how much information the AI will have access to. According to a report from Android Authority, users have taken to social media
[14]
Google Gemini is about to control your messages and calls, even if you say no
Google's AI assistant is about to get full access to your calls, texts, and WhatsApp -- even if you've disabled activity tracking. On July 7, Google's Gemini assistant will be able to send a WhatsApp message, place a call, adjust your volume, or set a timer, even if you've told it not to track
[15]
Why You Shouldn't Panic About Gemini's Privacy Changes
This week, Google sent an email to some Gemini users outlining changes in how the AI chatbot will interact with other Android apps, including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities. Initially, the message was interpreted to mean that Gemini would potentially have more access to user data, but it
[16]
Gemini to replace Google Assistant on Android soon
Google's Gemini will soon allow Android users to control device features and apps with more privacy. According to an email reported by Android Police, a Google update set to roll out on July 7th will allow Gemini to use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, regardless of the Gemini Apps
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Google May Give More Access to Gemini on Android, Raises Privacy Concerns
Google said Gemini apps will work even if the feature is turned off Google might have sent an email to some Android users on Tuesday highlighting that soon, the Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) assistant will interact with several on-device apps, whether the feature is turned on or not. Several
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Google's New Change for Gemini Turns Out to Not Be a Privacy Concern
There was a confusion since the mentioned feature is also called Apps Google reportedly shared an email to some users on Tuesday, which raised privacy concerns among some users. Several users posted screenshots of the email on social media platforms, highlighting a particular line where the
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Google announces changes to Gemini's functionality on Android, allowing users to perform tasks without contributing to AI training datasets, paving the way for Gemini to replace Google Assistant.
Google Announces Privacy-Focused Update for Gemini on Android
Google is set to roll out a significant update to its Gemini AI assistant on Android devices, starting July 7th. This update aims to enhance user privacy while maintaining the assistant's functionality, addressing concerns raised by a recent email sent to Gemini users
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Source: Tom's Guide
Enhanced Functionality with Privacy Safeguards
The update will allow Gemini to perform tasks such as sending messages, making phone calls, and setting timers, even when the Gemini Apps Activity setting is turned off
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. This change is significant because previously, users had to enable Apps Activity, which allowed Google to store and potentially use their interactions for AI model training, to access these features.Google clarified that this update is beneficial for users, stating, "They can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices like send messages, initiate phone calls, and set timers while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off"
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.Privacy Concerns Addressed
The initial email announcement caused some confusion and raised privacy concerns among users and tech journalists. However, Google has since provided more detailed explanations to alleviate these worries
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.Key points of clarification include:
- Users can still disable Gemini's connection to apps at any time.
- With Gemini Apps Activity turned off, chats are not reviewed or used to improve Google's AI models.
- Google will continue to save conversations for up to 72 hours for security purposes, regardless of the Apps Activity setting.
Source: Android Police
Implications for Google Assistant
This update is seen as a strategic move by Google, potentially paving the way for Gemini to replace Google Assistant on Android devices later this year
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. Gemini is already the de facto assistant on Pixel handsets, and this change allows it to perform essential tasks that a phone's default assistant would need to handle.Related Stories
User Control and Options
Google emphasized that users retain control over Gemini's access to their device features. The company stated, "As always, users can turn off Gemini's connection to apps at any time by navigating to https://gemini.google.com/apps"
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.Industry Implications
This update highlights the ongoing balance between AI functionality and user privacy in the tech industry. As AI assistants become more integrated into our daily lives, companies like Google are working to provide powerful features while addressing growing privacy concerns
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Source: Android Police
The move by Google could set a precedent for how AI companies handle user data and privacy settings, potentially influencing future developments in the AI assistant market.
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