Observed Signal · Jun 30, 2025 · Policy Update · Source: Trending Topics · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Negative
Gemini Gets Phone Access Despite Disabled Activity Tracking
Google's Gemini assistant will gain the ability to send WhatsApp messages, make calls, adjust volume, and set timers starting July 7, regardless of whether users have disabled Gemini Apps Activity tracking. Google notified users via email that the update allows Gemini to use phone, messages, WhatsApp, and utilities even when activity tracking is off. While Google states data from these requests won't be used for training when activity is disabled, it retains them for up to 72 hours for 'service reliability and security checks.' This data, including messages and call metadata, is not visible in history and cannot be manually deleted before expiry. Users can manually disable access to these apps in the Gemini app, but defaults are enabled.
Major platform policy update from Google redefining data access for its AI assistant, changing the meaning of 'off' for privacy settings, with implications for user consent and data collection in the AI ecosystem.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Starting July 7, 2025, Google's Gemini assistant will access phone, messages, WhatsApp, and utilities regardless of Gemini Apps Activity settings.
- Google stores assistant request data for up to 72 hours even when activity tracking is disabled.
- The stored data, including messages and call metadata, is not shown in history and cannot be manually deleted within 72 hours.
- Access to these functions is enabled by default; users must manually disable them in the Gemini app.
- The change was reported by Laptop Mag based on a Google notification email seen by Android Police.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“Google will roll out an update that enables Gemini to use phone, messages, WhatsApp, and utilities regardless of whether Gemini Apps activit...”
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