Google’s Gemini Assistant Will Interact with WhatsApp and Phone Apps Starting July 7, Raising Privacy Concerns
Google: Google is preparing a major change involving its AI assistant, Gemini, which is raising privacy concerns among Android users. A recent email indicates that on July 7, 2025, the Gemini apps extension feature will be updated to allow it to directly interact with WhatsApp, phone calls, messages, and other utility apps – even if the user has disabled the feature.
This announcement came amidst widespread discussion on social media, as many users shared screenshots of the email. These posts have not only stirred up the Android community but have also questioned Google’s data transparency and user control policies.
What’s Special in the Email?
Google has sent this email to a select group of Android users, stating – ‘We’ve made it easier for Gemini to interact with your device.’
According to the email, Google’s Gemini assistant will now communicate more effectively with phone, messages, WhatsApp, and other system apps. However, the key concern is that this feature will remain active even if the user has manually disabled it.
Previously, the Gemini apps extension feature only functioned when the user manually enabled it within the app’s settings. But this new update suggests that the company is automating this process.
Social Media Frenzy
Tech tipster CID first shared a screenshot of the email on X (formerly Twitter). Subsequently, numerous other users confirmed receiving the same email. However, some media outlets, such as Gadgets 360, have clarified that their employees have not received the email, further fueling speculation that the rollout may currently be in beta testing.
Android Authority has also confirmed the existence of these emails and stated that Google is soon to further integrate Gemini’s AI capabilities into system apps.
Privacy Concerns Raised
While this step by Google may be technically advanced, it raises serious questions about user data and privacy.
1. Lack of Clarity Regarding Data Processing: What data will be collected when Gemini interacts with these apps? Will it be stored in the cloud? Will it be used to train other AI models? These questions remain unanswered.
2. Conflicting Information: The email also states that users can disable these features by going to the Gemini app settings. However, it also states that the interaction will continue even if the feature is not enabled. This contradiction is causing confusion among users.
AI Access and Potential Risks
The process by which Gemini accesses data from apps may resemble Google Assistant, but the difference is that Gemini is an AI model that learns and processes data more deeply. When such an AI takes data from private messaging apps or call logs, it can pose a challenge not only to privacy but also to security.
Experts believe that such interactions, without explicit user consent, could signal a threat for AI-controlled devices in the future.
Google’s Official Silence
Google has yet to issue a clear official statement regarding this feature. It has also not specified which users will be affected and which devices will be impacted.
Furthermore, the email does not detail how users can completely disable this new AI interaction.
Potential Beta Testing
Some tech experts believe that this feature is currently only available to beta users, allowing Google to understand how this deep integration of AI performs in real-time. A public or limited release may be rolled out on July 7th.
However, given that users have been notified of the feature without full information, it does not meet the standards of transparency.
