Understanding Googles Gemini Update: AI Connectivity to Apps Unaffected by Privacy Settings, Clarifies Confusion

On Tuesday, it was reported that Google sent out an email to select users, which sparked some privacy worries. Multiple individuals took to social media to share screenshots of the email, emphasizing a specific statement where Google indicated that the Gemini AI assistant on Android would connect to various apps, regardless of whether App Activity was disabled. The source of confusion stemmed from the terminology used, as the feature is also labeled as apps. However, it seems the tech giant from Mountain View may have been alluding to something different entirely.

Possible Misinterpretation of Google’s Email

In the communication, the company stated, “Gemini will soon assist you in utilizing Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your device, whether your Gemini Apps Activity setting is activated or not.” Nonetheless, in a later part of the email, Google points out, “If you prefer not to use these features, they can be disabled in the Apps settings.”

The confusion arose from the fact that the Gemini extensions that allow the AI assistant to interact with both first-party and third-party applications are also known as “Apps.” This led to users perceiving a contradiction within Google’s message. Many users felt that the company did not adequately clarify how to disable the feature.

As noted by 9to5Google, “Gemini Apps Activity” actually refers to a completely separate concept. It is a setting, presently accessible only on the website, which determines whether Google keeps user prompts exchanged with Gemini in an activity log. This setting can be accessed through the profile menu in the mobile applications and within the side panel on the web interface. You can also locate it here.

Enabling this setting allows Google to utilize user data to “offer, enhance, develop, and customize Google products and services and machine-learning technologies.” This data is also made available to human reviewers. When disabled, this information is purged after 72 hours (subsequent to the server processing the data to generate AI responses).

Previously, when this setting was disabled, the Gemini AI assistant was unable to connect with on-device applications, as indicated in the report. However, with the forthcoming update on July 7, this limitation will be lifted. Users will not be required to activate activity logs to allow Gemini connection to WhatsApp, Phone app, Messages, and Utilities.

It appears that this update will not introduce any new privacy issues but rather alleviate an existing challenge for the company.