Google Gemini: The Rising Influence Over Your Messages and Calls—Even Against Your Will

On July 7, Google’s Gemini assistant will gain the ability to access apps such as WhatsApp, Phone, and Messages, even if users have opted out of tracking. This shift means that disabling Gemini Apps Activity no longer restricts its access, allowing it to perform tasks like sending messages or making calls without user consent. Although Google claims it will not save any assistant queries for long-term use, it will retain data for up to 72 hours for reliability checks. This change blurs privacy lines by giving Gemini deeper control over devices without explicit user approval. Users can adjust settings to restrict access but must navigate a buried menu to do so. The transition from a simple voice assistant to a more integrated “agent” capable of handling complex tasks raises significant concerns about privacy and user awareness, reinforcing a model that prioritizes access over consent.

Source link