On Tuesday, Google notified certain Android users via email that its Gemini artificial intelligence (AI) assistant would soon interact with various on-device applications, regardless of user preferences for the feature. Many recipients shared screenshots of the correspondence on social media, which indicated that this update will be automatically implemented starting July 7. The email’s content has sparked confusion, as the company mentioned the ability to disable the feature but did not provide instructions on how to do so.
Multiple Users Report Receiving the Email from Google
A tipster known as CID posted images of the email on X (formerly Twitter), shedding light on Google’s upcoming changes slated for after July 7. Additional users also shared similar screenshots on platforms such as social media and forums, with the original findings reported by Android Authority. Notably, members of the Gadgets 360 team have not received any such communication.
Screenshots of the email purportedly sent by Google’s Gemini team
Photo Credit: X/@starshinescal
The email, titled “We’ve made it easier for Gemini to interact with your device,” elaborates on the updated functionality of the AI assistant concerning various applications, including the Phone app, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities.
A particularly alarming section of the message states that Gemini will be able to engage with these apps “whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off.” This “Gemini Apps” framework is the new branding for features that enable the AI assistant to perform certain tasks on various first-party and third-party applications. Currently, users can manage which apps connect with the chatbot through the Apps settings in Gemini.
The phrasing from Google raises significant privacy concerns, suggesting that users may not have control over whether Gemini collects data from these applications. While Google Assistant has similar capabilities, the involvement of AI models amplifies uncertainties regarding how such data might be processed, stored, and utilized in the future.
Subsequently, the email states that users who choose not to use these features can deactivate them in the Apps settings. This message presents two issues: it directly contradicts the earlier statement and fails to provide any information on how to disable the feature.
As it stands, the only method to restrict access to these applications is by navigating to the Apps page within the Gemini app. However, the company has asserted that the feature will remain functional regardless of these settings.
It is possible that this email was primarily dispatched to beta testers, who may receive updates on disabling these interaction features alongside the July 7 rollout; however, this remains unconfirmed due to a lack of detailed information. Google has yet to make an official statement regarding this matter.
