Access Your WhatsApp Messages on Gemini for Android: Implications and Actions

In a recent update, Google’s Gemini is gaining the ability to access WhatsApp texts and call data for Android users. This development raises important questions about privacy, and in this article, we explore its implications and provide insights on how to prevent Google Gemini from accessing your WhatsApp messages.

Understanding Google’s Confusing Gemini Update on Android

Many users, including myself, received an email regarding this update, which went unnoticed in the Promotions tab of Gmail—perhaps a strategic move by Google. On further inspection, the email reveals inconsistencies: it mentions that Gemini “soon will help you use your Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities, ” but it fails to explicitly confirm that WhatsApp messages will be accessible.

Email showing Gemini changes on Android. — Image source: Ars Technica

Prior to this update, which became effective on July 7, Android users had more control over their privacy settings. By accessing the Gemini app and navigating to Google App Activity, users could opt out of Google’s data collection.

Following this latest change, the default setting appears to allow access without any user consent, reducing privacy control. Despite this shift, the email states that if you had previously disabled these features, they would remain disabled—as a silver lining suggesting some degree of user respect for privacy.

Upon attempting to adjust my settings, I discovered a warning about data retention, stating that Google would store my information for up to 72 hours. This indicates users should consider disabling Gemini Apps Activity proactively, regardless of changes made after July 7.

Steps to Disable WhatsApp Access via Gemini

The vague nature of the recent updates has left many Android users feeling uncertain about the data shared with Gemini. Although Google refers to checking the Apps settings for opting out, it offers little detailed guidance. Below are essential steps to enhance your privacy.

Disable Gemini App Connections

Disabling app connections for Gemini should prevent it from accessing your various applications.

Open the Gemini app on your device.
Tap the profile icon located in the upper right corner.
From the menu, select Apps.

Scroll down to find WhatsApp and toggle the option off. You can also disable Gemini access from Messages and Phone in the same manner.

Turn Off Google Assistant Integration

Gemini may still access your WhatsApp messages through Google Assistant. To prevent this, follow these steps:

Open the Google app.
Navigate to Settings -> Google Assistant -> Your apps.

Find WhatsApp and toggle off both options to prevent the Assistant from viewing your messages. Additional details on disabling Google Assistant can be found in their support documentation.

Uninstall the Gemini App

If you’re determined to enhance your privacy, uninstalling the Gemini app is a more extreme but viable option. However, the integration of Gemini has often replaced the traditional Google Assistant on several devices, complicating this process.

Uninstalling Gemini can be technically challenging and is intended for advanced users. Here’s a simplified overview of the steps involved:

Download the Platform Tools on your PC and extract them.
Enhance your Path settings to facilitate running ADB commands globally.
Enable USB debugging by tapping Build Number several times in Developer Options.
Connect your Android device to your PC and authorize the on-screen RSA fingerprint prompt.

After establishing the ADB connection, execute:

adb shell pm uninstall com.google.android.apps.bard

Note that users have reported inconsistencies with the uninstallation process across different devices.

Revert to Google Assistant

If you’re hesitant to uninstall Gemini completely, consider disabling it and reverting to Google Assistant:

In the Gemini app, go to Settings -> Switch to Google Assistant.

Next, select Google Assistant and confirm by tapping Switch in the pop-up prompt.

As Google continues to enhance Gemini’s integration across its services, including a new email recap feature in Gmail, users concerned about overexposure of AI can also look into disabling Gemini features in Gmail and other Google Workspace apps.

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