LONDON: Google has enabled its Gemini AI assistant to access third-party apps such as WhatsApp, sparking concerns over user privacy and consent.
Several Android users received an email from Google last week stating that, from 7 July, Gemini would be able to help users operate Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and utilities on their devices—even if the Gemini Apps Activity setting is turned off.
The email, cited by multiple technology news outlets including Metro and Ars Technica, informed users: “We’re updating how Gemini interacts with some of the apps on your Android device. Gemini will soon be able to help you use your Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off.”
This update enables users to command Gemini to perform actions such as sending a WhatsApp message or making a phone call simply by using voice instructions.
While this may appear to be a convenient enhancement, experts warn that it raises “concerns about user consent” due to the automatic opt-in and the limited transparency around its capabilities.
Although Google maintains that Gemini cannot read or summarise WhatsApp messages, the company’s help page notes that with support from Google Assistant or the Utilities app, Gemini may still access certain message content, including notifications and media.
Tech company Tuta urged users to review and limit Gemini’s access. According to Tuta, individuals can disable app-specific extensions by navigating to the Gemini app > Profile > Apps, and toggling off the permissions for each connected app.
Users can also turn off Gemini Apps Activity through the settings, though this does not fully restrict access. Even with activity tracking disabled, Google retains user data for up to 72 hours “to maintain safety and security”.
A spokesperson for Google told Ars Technica that users benefit from the new feature, saying: “They can now use Gemini to complete daily tasks like sending messages or setting timers, even with Gemini Apps Activity turned off. Gemini chats are not being reviewed or used to improve our AI models.”
However, the move fits into a broader trend of tech companies quietly changing terms and automatically enrolling users into new features.
Meta faced similar criticism recently after it integrated its own AI assistant into WhatsApp without offering an opt-out option.
Some users have explored more drastic steps to remove Gemini entirely from their devices. According to a Neowin report, the process involves using the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool via a computer to uninstall the Gemini app.
However, Gemini is closely linked to the Google app, making it difficult to fully remove without also disabling core Google services.
For most users, the simplest method remains manually turning off app access and Gemini Apps Activity. But experts stress that more needs to be done to ensure transparency and informed consent when rolling out AI-integrated features.
