Gemini accesses WhatsApp on Android; users must limit access

Google's Gemini AI assistant now integrates with WhatsApp on Android, potentially accessing user messages even with Gemini Apps Activity disabled. This change allows for quicker task completion but raises privacy concerns. Users can now have Gemini send WhatsApp messages and initiate calls directly, regardless of the Gemini Apps Activity setting. Google states that while data isn't used for AI training in this scenario, users must manually disable app access to limit Gemini's reach. Experts recommend users review and adjust Gemini's app access settings via Android settings or gemini.google.com/apps to control data privacy. Some privacy advocates express concern over the automatic activation of these features.