WhatsApp privacy alert: Gemini AI can access message previews even when turned off. What to do now?

Time of India

09-07-2025

Google has begun rolling out a new update for its Gemini AI assistant, which now allows deeper interaction with system apps including Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities. The change, which took effect on July 7, was communicated to Android users through an email that left many confused due to its vague wording. According to the message, Gemini will assist with app usage 'even if you've turned off Gemini Apps Activity,' raising questions about how much control users actually have.
On its official support page, Google explained that Gemini Apps provide 'direct access to Google AI,' and that interactions with Gemini are temporarily stored—up to 72 hours—even if the user has opted out of activity tracking. This means that even with Gemini activity turned off, data from messaging apps like WhatsApp may still be processed and stored briefly.
What Does Gemini Actually Do With Your Messages?
While Gemini's expanded access is intended to help users perform tasks like sending messages or setting reminders via voice commands or Assistant features, the lack of clarity around data usage is what has triggered concern. Some privacy advocates and users believe this could compromise personal information.
According to Google, Gemini does not train its AI on your data, and interactions are stored only temporarily to ensure the service's functionality and safety. However, as highlighted by Neowin, even when not actively reading your chats, Gemini may still access and respond to WhatsApp messages through Android's notification system or utility functions—particularly when used in combination with Google Assistant.
This level of access may include reading message previews, images, and potentially sending replies on your behalf.
How to Limit or Disable Gemini Access
If users are uncomfortable with this level of integration, Google does provide options—though limited—for managing Gemini's activity:
Turn Off Gemini Apps Activity
Open the Gemini app.
Tap the profile icon on the top-right corner.
Select 'Gemini Apps Activity.'
Use the toggle to disable the feature.
Limit App-Level Access
In the Gemini app, tap your profile picture again.
Select 'Apps.'
Choose which apps Gemini is allowed to connect with.
Fully Disable Gemini
You can also disable the Gemini app altogether if you want to prevent any interaction or tracking.
It's important to note that even after turning off the activity feature, Google will still retain your data for up to 72 hours for what it claims is safety and security purposes.
Broader AI Integration Raises Red Flags
The concerns surrounding Gemini echo similar controversies involving other tech giants. Earlier this year, Microsoft faced backlash over its Recall feature in Windows 11, which captured screenshots of user activity, including messages. Only apps like Signal were able to prevent this tracking.
Meta also faced criticism when its AI tool was embedded into WhatsApp chats, although users can now block that integration. The common thread across these developments is a growing unease over AI systems having near-unrestricted access to private data without explicit or informed user consent.