Google just dropped a bombshell: Gemini, their AI assistant, is about to tap into your WhatsApp. Imagine Gemini sifting through your texts and call history to “better” assist you. Creeped out yet?
A new update rolling out right now gives Gemini access to your WhatsApp data. But before you panic and chuck your phone, we’re diving deep into the privacy implications.
Inside, we’ll reveal exactly what Gemini can see and, more importantly, give you a stepbystep guide to slam the brakes on Google’s access to your private WhatsApp life. Don’t wait – your privacy is at stake.
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The email slipped past my radar, banished to Gmail’s dreaded Promotions tab. At first, I ignored it, just another piece of digital clutter. Now, I wonder if that’s exactly what Google intended.
Image source: Ars Technica
Buried in the email’s fine print is a subtle, unsettling ambiguity. The message stops short of explicitly declaring Gemini will rummage through your WhatsApp chats. However, it hints at something equally invasive: Gemini will “soon be able to help you use your Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities,” even if you’ve disabled Gemini’s activity tracking. This raises a critical question: How can it “help” without looking?
Remember when Android users held the keys to their Gemini privacy? Before July 7th, accessing your Google App Activity was a simple tap away – profile picture, then dive into the settings. It was a little digital vault, holding, or not holding, your secrets. Those days are gone.
Imagine a digital tap quietly shutting down a data spigot – that was disabling Google Apps Activity. It used to mean Google’s AI eyes couldn’t peer quite as deeply into your app usage. But things just changed. That off-switch? Consider it fused. Now, Google gets access, seemingly by default, no extra permission slips required.
The good news? Google assures users that pre-existing privacy settings will remain untouched, at least for now. If you’ve already locked things down, your digital fortress should hold.
My Gemini Apps Activity wasn’t on, or so I thought. Trying to switch it off, Google dropped a cryptic message: data retention for 72 hours, max. The kicker? Even users who’dneverenabled the feature saw thesamemessage. Moral of the story? Kill Gemini Apps Activity, even after the July 7th deadline. You might be surprised what it’s still holding onto.
Tip : learn how to run Gemini CLI AI agent on your terminal.
How to Disable Gemini’s WhatsApp Access
Android users are in the dark. A recent update’s shrouded intentions have sparked a privacy panic, leaving many wondering what data’s being scooped up and how to slam the brakes. Google hints at a privacy escape hatch buried in the Apps settings, but offers no map. Feeling lost? Don’t blindly stumble! Read on to reclaim control of your digital life.
Disable Gemini App Connections
This is what Google is referring to above. Disabling app connections for Gemini should stop Gemini from accessing your apps.
Note : you can do this only while the Gemini App Activity will have to be on.
Open the Gemini app on your phone and press on your profile picture in the upper right corner.
SelectAppsin the menu that appears.
Want to silence Google’s AI eavesdropping on WhatsApp? Dive into your Google Assistant settings. Spot WhatsApp? Flick that sneaky toggle to “off.” While you’re at it, banish Gemini’s access from your Messages and Phone apps too.
Turn Off Google Assistant Integration
Click onWhatsAppand toggle off both options.
Want to keep Google Assistant from eavesdropping on your messages? Shut it down! Full instructions on regaining your privacy are available.
Uninstall Gemini app
The nuclear option? Uninstalling Gemini. Sounds simple, right? Think again. Google’s been sneakily swapping out Google Assistant for Gemini on some Androids. Proof? I used to say, “Hey Google,” and get Google Assistant. Now? It’s the Gemini bar popping up.
Think Gemini’s gone for good? Think again. This hints at a deeper integration within your system. Uninstalling it completely is possible, but proceed with caution – it’s a techie’s treasure hunt, and not for the faint of heart.
You will need to install the Android debug bridge first.
Unlock your Android device’s full potential! Grab the Platform Tools package for your PC, and unzip it to a memorable spot, perhaps “C:\platform-tools”. Now, supercharge your command line: add this folder to your system’s PATH. Boom! ADB is now at your beck and call, ready to work its magic from anywhere!
On your Android, navigate toSettings ->About phone, and tapBuild Number7 times. Go toDeveloper Options ->USB debugging.
Connect your phone to your computer via USB and tapAllow on-screen RSA fingerprintprompt.
LaunchCommand Promptand runadb devicesto verify the setup.
Then you can uninstall the app by entering the following command:
abd shell pm uninstall com.google.android.apps.bard
Gemini uninstalls aren’t always seamless. Some users are reporting hiccups, suggesting device compatibility might be a factor.
Switch Back to Google Assistant
Tired of Gemini? Don’t delete it just yet! Reclaim your familiar Google Assistant by simply disabling the app and switching back.
In the Gemini app, go toSettings ->Switch to Google Assistant.
SelectGoogle Assistanton the next screen. TapSwitchin the pop-up.
Gmail’s getting a Gemini makeover, and you might be seeing AI everywhere. But fear not! If you prefer a more human touch, here’s how to put Gemini back in its box across Gmail and other Google Workspace apps.
Thanks for reading How to Stop Google Gemini from Accessing Your WhatsApp Messages
