Google Grants Gemini AI Access to Third-Party Apps: Privacy Concerns Arise

TL;DR

Google has updated Gemini AI to access third-party apps on Android devices, raising privacy concerns. Users must take action to manage app permissions and protect their data. This article provides steps to safeguard personal information and maintain control over app integrations.

Introduction

Google’s recent update to Gemini AI has sparked concerns among Android users. The update allows Gemini to interact with third-party apps, potentially compromising user privacy. This article explores the implications of this change and offers guidance on managing app permissions to protect personal data.

Google’s Gemini AI Update

Android users need to be vigilant as Google’s Gemini AI now has the capability to access third-party apps, regardless of previous settings. This update, which enhances Gemini’s integration with apps, aims to provide more personalized assistance but raises significant privacy concerns¹.

Gemini AI Capabilities

Gemini AI, through its extensions, can interact with various apps to offer assistance and potentially replace Google Assistant. According to an email from Google Gemini, the AI uses information from devices and services to provide context-aware help. This includes accessing system permissions, call and message logs, contacts, and screen content².

Data Collection and Privacy

Gemini AI collects user activity data, including chats, shared files, product usage information, and location data. This data is stored and reviewed by trained personnel to improve Google services³. However, this level of data collection has led many users to seek more private AI alternatives.

Recent Developments

A recent email from Google to Android users announced that Gemini AI will soon interact with apps like Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and other utilities, even if Gemini Apps Activity is turned off. This change will automatically roll out, but users can opt-out through the Apps settings page⁴.

Confusion and Control

There is confusion among users due to contradictory statements from Google. While the update claims that features will remain off if previously disabled, it also states that the change will roll out automatically. This has led to difficulties in finding the appropriate settings to manage Gemini’s access⁵.

Protecting Your Data

To safeguard personal information, Android users should take the following steps:

• Monitor Notifications: Pay close attention to notifications or permission prompts for Gemini access and deny where possible.
• Check App Permissions: Regularly review and revoke unnecessary permissions in Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager.
• Update Software: Keep your Android OS and apps updated to benefit from the latest security patches⁶.
• Use Anti-Malware: Ensure an active anti-malware solution is installed on your Android device⁷.

Conclusion

Google’s update to Gemini AI, while offering enhanced features, raises critical privacy concerns. Users must be proactive in managing app permissions and staying informed about data collection practices. By taking the necessary steps, Android users can protect their personal information and maintain control over their devices.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

• Ars Technica: Gemini AI Access to Third-Party Apps
• Malwarebytes: Protecting Your Android Device

References

1. (2025, July 8). “No thanks: Google lets its Gemini AI access your apps, including messages”. Malwarebytes. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎

2. (2024, November 27). “Here’s the full list of Gemini extensions and what they can do”. 9to5Google. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎

3. (2025, July 8). “No thanks: Google lets its Gemini AI access your apps, including messages”. Malwarebytes. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎

4. (2025, July). “Unless users take action, Android will let Gemini access third-party apps”. Ars Technica. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎

5. (2025, July 8). “No thanks: Google lets its Gemini AI access your apps, including messages”. Malwarebytes. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎

6. (2022, November). “Android users are facing a double patch gap”. Malwarebytes. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎

7. (2025, July 8). “Malwarebytes for Android”. Malwarebytes. Retrieved 2025-07-08. ↩︎