Digital Event Horizon
Android users are facing a new challenge as Google enables its Gemini AI engine to interact with third-party apps, even when previously configured to block such interactions. In the absence of clear guidance from Google, Android users must take action to protect their data and privacy.
Google's Gemini AI engine can now interact with third-party apps, including WhatsApp, even if users block such interactions. Human reviewers process the data accessed by Gemini, but Google failed to provide clear guidance on how to prevent these interactions. Users can block specific apps that Gemini interacts with, but data is still stored for 72 hours in those cases. Disabling Gemini app activity or uninstalling the app may be effective ways to prevent data collection beyond the storage period. Google's lack of clear guidance has left Android users confused and unsure of how to disable integrations completely.
Google has recently announced a change that will enable its Gemini AI engine to interact with third-party apps, such as WhatsApp, even when users previously configured their devices to block such interactions. According to an email sent by Google to Android users, the changes took effect on Monday and will give Gemini access to apps such as Messages, Phone, and other services whether the user's Gemini app activity is turned off or not.
The email states that human reviewers read, annotate, and process the data Gemini accesses, but fails to provide useful guidance for preventing the changes from taking effect. The email mentions that users can block specific apps that Gemini interacts with, but even in those cases, data is stored for 72 hours. This lack of clear information has left many Android users confused and unsure of how to disable Gemini integrations completely.
One researcher at Tuta, a cloud-based provider of a privacy-focused email and calendar service, attempted to fill the void of actionable guidance. According to the researcher, disabling Gemini app activity is likely to prevent data collection beyond the 72-hour storage period. However, uninstalling Gemini from the device may be a more effective solution.
The process for uninstalling Gemini involves using the Android debug bridge that Google makes available to developers. This requires installing the bridge and then entering a command in the adb shell to uninstall the app. However, the process was not straightforward, with some users experiencing errors and confusion.
Google's decision to enable Gemini AI interactions with third-party apps has raised concerns about data collection and privacy. Many Android users do not want Gemini or other AI engines near their devices, but are being left in the dark due to Google's lack of clear guidance on how to disable integrations completely.
In light of this change, it is essential for Android users to take action and understand how to protect their data and privacy. Users can start by checking their device settings and ensuring that Gemini app activity is turned off. They can also consider uninstalling Gemini from their device or exploring alternative privacy-focused services.
In conclusion, Google's decision to enable Gemini AI interactions with third-party apps has significant implications for Android users' data collection and privacy. It is crucial for users to take action and understand how to protect themselves in this new landscape.
Related Information:
https://www.digitaleventhorizon.com/articles/Android-Users-Must-Take-Action-to-Prevent-Gemini-AI-from-Accessing-Third-Party-Apps-deh.shtml
https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/07/unless-users-take-action-android-will-let-gemini-access-third-party-apps/
Published: Mon Jul 7 20:33:23 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
