Why is Google issuing privacy warnings?

Google issued a privacy warning through its Gemini App Privacy Hub blog. It is important to clarify that the warning wasn't directed at all Android and iPhone users, but specifically targeted at users of Gemini apps.

Gemini offers more advanced capabilities than the standard assistant and appears within specific apps, not as a general system feature. The privacy concerns addressed in the warning pertain specifically to data collection and review practices within Gemini apps, not all AI-powered applications on smartphones.

Key concerns highlighted in the warning:

· Human review of conversations: Google acknowledged that human reviewers analyze anonymized conversations within Gemini apps to help improve the AI models. While these conversations are supposedly disconnected from your Google account, they are retained for up to three years.

· Accidental activation: The warning pointed out that Gemini can be unintentionally activated through voice commands, potentially capturing sensitive information you didn't intend to share.

According to Gemini App Privacy Hub blog , “Please don’t enter confidential information in your conversations or any data you wouldn’t want a reviewer to see or Google to use to improve our products, services, and machine-learning technologies.”

Explaining this, Google said that in case a conversation has been reviewed, it is not removed from the platform even after the Gemini apps activity has been deleted by the user. This happens because the conversations are kept separately and are not connected to the Google Account of the user.

This warning isn't about a general phone security issue but applies specifically to the potential privacy risks within Gemini apps. If you're concerned about broader phone security, it's always a good practice to:

· Keep your phone software updated.

· Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

· Be cautious about what information you share in apps and online.

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu Editor-in-chief- VARINDIA