Google has initiated a broad Android update that enables its Gemini AI assistant to access third-party apps such as WhatsApp, even when users had previously set their devices to block such interactions.
This shift is taking place starting this week and appears to override individual privacy preferences, leaving many Android users without a clear path to opt-out.
According to ArsTechnica, in an email sent ahead of the rollout, Google linked to a support page that confirms “human reviewers (including service providers) read, annotate, and process” data accessed by Gemini.
The email fails to provide direct steps for those hoping to prevent the AI from integrating with their apps.
While it claims users can block specific app interactions, it also states that data will still be stored temporarily for 72 hours.
The message offers conflicting statements about user control. It says Gemini will begin integrating with services like WhatsApp, Phone, and Messages “whether your Gemini apps activity is on or off.”
Yet shortly after, it says, “If you have already turned these features off, they will remain off.” Nowhere in the email or the support pages does Google explain how users can fully remove Gemini from their devices or prevent it from being enabled in the background.
Keep in mind that WhatsApp is an end-to-end encrypted messaging and the app Gemini accesses it undermines that encryption.
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