Gemini AI Will Now Access Calls and Messages on Your Android Even If You Turn It Off

Google has started rolling out an update that gives its Gemini AI engine access to interact with third-party apps on Android devices, such as WhatsApp, Messages, and Phone. However, this change also affects users who had set their devices to block it, raising questions about privacy and user control.

According to an email sent to Android users, Gemini will be able to access these apps whether Gemini Apps Activity is on or off. The email also says that human reviewers, including service providers, may read, annotate, and process data accessed by Gemini, and that data may be stored for up to 72 hours.

The message does not seem to give clear instructions for users who want to prevent these changes or fully disable Gemini's integration. Support pages linked in the email often refer users to additional resources, which many have found unclear or incomplete, as reported by Ars Technica ...