Suspicious Google Gemini emails claim phone app access starting July 7

Users have reported receiving suspicious emails claiming to announce major privacy changes to Google Gemini, with the messages stating the AI assistant would gain broad access to phone apps including Messages, WhatsApp, and utilities starting July 7. The emails raise significant privacy concerns due to unclear language and claims that Gemini would access these apps regardless of user privacy settings, though Google has not confirmed these changes are legitimate.

What you should know: The reported emails contain several red flags that suggest they may not be authentic Google communications.

• The emails claim Gemini will access Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities apps but provide no clear instructions on how to disable these features in settings.
• Most concerning, the messages state that Gemini will have app access “regardless of whether you have Gemini App Activity turned on or off.”
• Only a small number of users appear to have received these emails, and Tom’s Guide could not find evidence of the changes on their test devices.

Why this matters: If legitimate, these changes would represent a significant shift in how Google handles user privacy with its AI assistant.

• Currently, users can disable Gemini App Activity to prevent Google from storing chat history and using their data to train AI models.
• The apps mentioned contain highly sensitive personal information, including private messages and call logs.
• Google’s standard practice of retaining data for 72 hours would apply to this potentially vast trove of personal information.

The verification challenge: The authenticity of these emails remains unclear, making it difficult for users to know how to respond.

• Google has not officially announced these changes through its usual channels.
• The unusual wording and lack of clear opt-out instructions differ from typical Google privacy notifications.
• Tom’s Guide has reached out to Google for confirmation but has not yet received a response.

What experts recommend: Users should exercise caution until Google provides official clarification about these reported changes.