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You're not alone: This email from Google's Gemini team is concerning (www.androidauthority.com)

submitted 4 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

301 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Google’s Gemini team is apparently sending out emails about an upcoming change to how Gemini interacts with apps on Android devices. The email informs users that, come July 7, 2025, Gemini will be able to “help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off.” Naturally, this has raised some privacy concerns among those who’ve received the email and those using the AI assistant on their Android devices.

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[–] [email protected] 30 points 4 days ago (5 children)

So there's an opt-out.

The article seems concerned that the email announcing this doesn't include a specific path to the opt-out right in the email (which is a weird concern, considering the email provides two links to... presumably that information)?

I'm not sure what this means, either, but it seems the "whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off" line is saying that you can still have Gemini send texts for you even if you disable Google storing your apps usage server-side? I don't use Gemini as an assistant, so I'm not sure, but looking at the Gemini settings menu on my Android phone that's what it seems to map to.

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[–] [email protected] 17 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Apple has been seriously underperforming on their AI strategy.

Really makes it easy to keep using their devices.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 days ago (11 children)

At least so far Samsung is letting me disable Gemini, as I try to do to any bloatware I don't want running in the background.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 days ago

If this happens, can we please all make a protest or petition with the FCC?

[–] [email protected] 24 points 4 days ago (3 children)

I've not received any mails or notifications. Though I don't use Gemini at all. Or Google Assistant. Or any assistant.

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 days ago

Few years ago I got a Nest Secure to go with my other Google Nest gear. One day Google emailed me to tell me Assistant was now enabled on my security system. Oh, by the way, it has an undocumented microphone!

That’s when I realized what a privacy nightmare Google really is. I know Apple isn’t great but come on.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 4 days ago (10 children)

Just... Disable it. You can switch to the old assistant.

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 4 days ago (5 children)

So is Gemini on there as an app? It isn't listed as such on my phone

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 days ago

Can't you just delete Gemini with Canta?

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