Google Gemini Can Access WhatsApp Chats—Change This Setting to Protect Your Privacy

Last week, many Android users received an email from Google announcing a significant update to how its Gemini AI interacts with apps on their devices. Effective from July 7, Google will allow Gemini to access and assist with apps such as Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities—even if users have turned off the Gemini Apps Activity feature. This change, communicated through a vaguely worded email, has raised privacy concerns among users.

According to Google's website, Gemini apps offer direct access to Google’s AI capabilities. The company further states that “your chats are saved in your account for up to 72 hours,” regardless of whether the Gemini Apps Activity setting is enabled. This implies that even if a user has actively chosen to disable activity tracking, Google will still retain some personal data for up to three days. This data retention could potentially include private information like WhatsApp messages.

The update is intended to make Gemini more useful by allowing it to read messages and perform actions, such as replying on the user's behalf. While this added functionality may enhance user experience and convenience, it also opens the door to increased surveillance and data collection. Many users may find the idea of an AI chatbot accessing their private conversations deeply invasive and troubling.

To address these concerns, Google has provided users with some control over how Gemini interacts with their apps. Users who wish to disable Gemini Apps Activity for all connected applications can do so easily. By opening the Gemini app on an Android phone and tapping the profile icon in the top-right corner, users can access the “Gemini Apps Activity” section. There, a toggle switch allows them to quickly disable the feature. However, it’s important to note that even after turning this feature off, Google will still store data for up to 72 hours, citing reasons of safety and security for Gemini apps.

For more fine-grained control, users can manage Gemini’s access to individual apps. By navigating to the “Apps” section under the profile settings in the Gemini app, users can choose which specific applications Gemini can interact with. This feature gives users the ability to block Gemini from accessing sensitive apps like WhatsApp while still allowing it to assist with less critical apps.

For users who prefer not to use Gemini at all or who want to completely eliminate its tracking capabilities, the most effective solution is to disable the Gemini app entirely on their devices. This ensures that Gemini cannot track any activity or access any personal data on the device.

In summary, while Google’s update enhances the capabilities of the Gemini AI assistant, it has sparked legitimate privacy concerns. Users now have more powerful tools at their disposal—but also face increased risk of unwanted data access. Those concerned about privacy should review their settings and adjust or disable the Gemini app as needed.