Google has issued a strong privacy alert to users of its Gemini AI assistant, warning them not to share confidential information during conversations. The company has confirmed that human reviewers may access and review AI chats for up to three years. This caution is not limited to Google alone but highlights a common privacy concern across all major AI assistants, including ChatGPT, Grok, and others.
The warning comes ahead of Gemini’s upcoming update, which will give it access to Android users’ phones, messages, and apps starting July 7, 2025. According to emails sent to users, Gemini will soon be able to access Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities apps, even if users have not enabled the Gemini Apps Activity feature.
Google’s privacy policy explains that when Gemini Apps Activity is turned on, user data is stored for up to 18 months and may be reviewed by human moderators. The company claims that personal identifiers are removed during this process. However, even if this setting is disabled, data from AI conversations may still be stored for up to 72 hours for quality checks and security purposes.
This process of human review is not unique to Google. Other AI platforms like OpenAI and Anthropic also use similar methods to improve AI performance and ensure safety. These companies have openly stated that human reviewers may go through user conversations for quality control and system improvements.
The recent announcement from Google has raised concerns, especially since the expanded access to user apps and messages is set to begin in less than two weeks. While Google has mentioned that users can adjust their privacy settings through the Apps settings page, the company has not provided clear instructions on exactly where to find these controls.
This situation highlights a broader privacy issue for all AI users. Experts advise treating conversations with AI assistants as potentially non-private. Whether discussing personal matters, work details, or sensitive business information, users should be aware that these chats are not entirely secure.
The risk of human review means that, despite promises of data protection by AI companies, confidential conversations should be avoided on such platforms. This general rule applies across all AI assistants, making it important for users to stay cautious while using these services.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
