←back to thread

Google can now read your WhatsApp messages

(www.neowin.net)
467 points bundie | 2 comments | 08 Jul 25 16:11 UTC | HN request time: 0.001s | source
Show context
bix6 ◴[08 Jul 25 16:59 UTC] No.44501849[source]▶
These big tech companies are so frustrating. Why does every single aspect of our digital lives need to be monitored? It’s like whack a mole trying to get the most basic of privacy.
replies(11): >>44501894 #>>44501898 #>>44501908 #>>44502015 #>>44502072 #>>44502187 #>>44502307 #>>44502354 #>>44502912 #>>44503006 #>>44503118 #
IncreasePosts ◴[08 Jul 25 17:05 UTC] No.44501908[source]▶
What exactly is being monitored? It looks like this enabled Gemini to send a message via Whatsapp if you ask it to.

Maybe the problem is what you consider a privacy violation, other users consider a feature.

replies(3): >>44501967 #>>44502005 #>>44502381 #
1. VohuMana ◴[08 Jul 25 17:15 UTC] No.44502005[source]▶
I think if I understand the article correctly it sounds like Google might also be reading the messages so it can respond for you. Regardless I think the other thing people might not be happy about is Gemini can still interact with apps regardless of if you have app activity turned on or off, as quoted from the linked email in the article: What's changing Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp, and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off
replies(1): >>44502139 #
2. jeroenhd ◴[08 Jul 25 17:27 UTC] No.44502139[source]▶
Google's own documentation explicitly states it cannot read your messages or notifications. You can ask it to compose a message for you or start a call, though.