Is Google’s AI Reading Your Private Messages? Why It’s Time to Consider a Secure Alternative

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On July 7, 2025, MSM ( Is Google’s AI secretly reading your private texts? Here’s what’s really happening—and how to stop it before it’s too late ) reported that Google silently activated a controversial update: its Gemini AI began scanning popular third-party apps like WhatsApp and Messages on Android devices. While Google claims this “helps with daily tasks,” it also exposes an uncomfortable truth—AI is now reading your private conversations without your full, informed consent.

Whether you’re asking Google Assistant to read a message aloud or using default Android settings, Gemini may already be analyzing your chats. Notifications, app content, even your photos—these can all be processed in the background, raising serious concerns over targeted advertising fueled data harvesting, ethical overreach, and the erosion of digital autonomy.

What’s more alarming? There’s no single opt-out switch. Users must manually disable Gemini’s access app-by-app—a task many won’t realize is necessary. And even then, there’s no clear assurance that your data won’t be accessed through indirect vectors like notifications.

Sound familiar? This echoes Microsoft’s earlier “Recall” scandal, where Windows 11 stored screenshots of your entire digital activity for AI review.

At Purism, we believe privacy is a fundamental right—not a setting buried in your phone.

Our Librem 5 and Liberty Phone smartphones are built from the ground up to protect your data and respect your digital boundaries. Unlike Android or iOS, PureOS (based on Debian Linux) runs free and open source code, free from spyware, adware, and AI assistants quietly reading your texts.

  • No AI Data Mining: PureOS includes no AI-enabled message scanning, no hidden permissions, and no backdoors.
  • Hardware Kill Switches: Disable cellular, Wi-Fi, microphone, and camera with a physical switch.
  • True Control: No forced app integrations. No third-party access to your data—ever.
  • No Clicking on Agree: No signing away your privacy, security, or data sovereignty.

We’ve long warned that Big Tech’s “convenience” comes at the cost of your freedom. Now, Gemini and Recall prove that AI is being embedded into our most personal spaces—without transparency, choice, or real control.

If you’re done with being a passive participant in your own data harvesting, there’s a better way.

Take back your digital sovereignty. Choose a phone that works for you—not on you.

Learn more about the Librem 5 and Liberty Phone at https://puri.sm

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