Less data for training: Gemini for Android should respect more privacy

Google is currently informing Gemini users by email that an update will be distributed on July 7. This will enable the AI assistant to use the phone, messages, WhatsApp, and utilities on the phone “regardless of whether Gemini apps activity is enabled or disabled”.

Google explains that for users aged 18 and over, the “Activity in Gemini apps” feature is enabled by default, saving all Gemini activity. This makes it possible to find, access and delete old prompts, for example.

Confusion about the storage of Gemini activities

This led to confusion, as reported by Android Authority and 9 to 5 Google. This is because it was initially assumed that Google would collect data about the functions in the future, regardless of whether the feature was switched on or off. Until now, Gemini could only interact with apps or extensions for phone, messages, and the like if the Gemini apps activity function was activated.

In response, Google clarified that the new feature allows for more privacy, as disabling the activity setting for Gemini apps prevents interactions with the chatbot from being used to “provide, improve, develop and personalize” Google products and AI models.

The company also explains that after the July update, users will be able to use Gemini “to complete daily tasks on their mobile devices, such as sending messages, initiating calls and setting timers, while Gemini Apps Activity is turned off”. When Gemini Apps Activity is turned off, Gemini chats are not checked or used to improve the AI models, the statement continues.

Gemini, more like the Google Assistant

The change means that Gemini will work more like the Google Assistant on Android devices in future, and you will no longer feed Google's AI training data sets when using it. By deactivating Gemini app activities, Gemini interactions will no longer be displayed in the activity history. However, Google points out that conversations will continue to be saved for up to 72 hours for security reasons, regardless of whether the setting is deactivated or not.

In the Gemini settings, users can also determine which supported apps the AI assistant can access. Among other things, it is possible to individually deny or allow access to the Google Workspace (Docs, Mail, Calendar, etc.), Maps, WhatsApp, Spotify, and others.

Google announced in March 2025 that it would be scrapping Google Assistant, which was launched in 2016, and replacing it with Gemini. Gemini will move into smartwatches, cars, and the smart home over the coming months. According to Google, it will not only become more personal, but also “proactive” and “more powerful” in the medium term. Most recently, Gemini was given the “Scheduled Actions” function.

(afl)