Google Gemini in itself is powerful, but on Android, you must manually enable Apps — think of them as extensions — to make the AI chatbot even more powerful. Google currently offers several Apps for Gemini, such Phone, Messages, Utilities, Workspace, and more. Now, in a move that’s bound to raise some privacy concerns, the company is sending out emails informing users that Gemini will use some of these extensions even if you have Gemini App Activity turned off.
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In the email received by one of my AP colleagues, Google states that starting July 7, 2025, Gemini will “use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off.” These extensions enable Gemini to interact with the Phone app, change system settings, and send text or WhatsApp messages to your friends.
With Gemini Apps Activity enabled, Google stores your interactions with Gemini, including your input and the responses, in your Google account. Even when off, your Apps Activity is saved for up to 72 hours to “provide the service, maintain its safety and security, and process any feedback you choose to provide.”
Google’s move raises serious privacy concerns
Based on Google’s email, it seems the company will allow Gemini to access messages, WhatsApp, and control device system settings without requiring your explicit permission. On one hand, this will enhance the Gemini experience for users unfamiliar with Gemini Apps. They can directly make phone calls, send texts, and control phone settings using Gemini without having to jump into the AI chatbot settings to enable these extensions.
On the other hand, enabling such access by default — without direct user consent — raises serious privacy concerns, especially since Google stores user activity for up to 72 hours.
Worse, Google’s email is relatively vague. It mentions that “if you don’t want to use these features, you can turn them off in the Apps settings page.” However, it doesn’t explain exactly how to do this, and the linked support page offers no help.
We have reached out to Google for more details and clarification on this matter.
