Step-by-Step Guide: Disabling Gemini AI in Your Daily Google Services

Gemini is convenient, but more deeply rooted in Google services than you might realize. It’s time to take back some control.

The conversation surrounding user privacy is resurfacing, and this time it revolves around Google. The newly introduced Gemini AI and its intricate integration within popular tools like Gmail and Google Meet have sparked a class-action lawsuit. This legal action alleges that the Gemini chatbot audaciously tracks users’ private data, raising alarms for those who utilize Google services daily.

The lawsuit claims that Gemini was subtly activated within Google’s Workspace apps without obtaining proper consent from users. The ramifications of these allegations are significant for anyone relying on Google’s suite for everyday tasks. A striking excerpt from the lawsuit reads:

“Despite users never giving Google informed consent to track and store their private communications, Google does just that, using Gemini AI to access and exploit the entire recorded history of its users’ private communications, including literally every email and attachment sent and received in their Gmail accounts.”

Why is this a cause for concern?

Using Gemini AI has become routine in my digital life since its inception. It’s woven itself into nearly every Google offering—from Gmail and Calendar to the Files app on Android. While the integration has its perks, the lawsuit has initiated a moment of contemplation for me. I’m seriously considering toning down or even disabling Gemini in apps where AI isn’t necessary. If you share my sentiment, you might want to explore similar options.

Disabling Gemini is surprisingly straightforward. You can turn it off collectively for various apps like Drive and Photos right from a centralized dashboard. However, remember that the process differs if you’ve enabled “connector” access for third-party AI products.

Disabling Gemini for Other Apps

Starting with Gmail

Gmail, one of the most utilized Google products, is where we’ll begin this process:

1. Open Gmail on the web and click on the Settings gear icon.
2. In the sidebar that appears, select All Settings.
3. Scroll down to find Google Workspace Smart Features and click on Manage Workspace Smart Feature Settings.
4. A pop-up labeled Google Workspace Smart Features will appear, allowing control over Gemini across various apps.
5. If you wish to disable Gemini only within Workspace apps, toggle the first switch off. For more stringent control, also toggle off the second option to stop Gemini from accessing data from other Google products.

Where Else Must You Look for Gemini-fication?

It’s essential to check Chrome, another highly popular Google product, as it has adopted several AI-driven functionalities, including conversational search and an AI mode.

To deactivate these features, access Chrome’s settings and turn off any toggles you find under the AI Innovations section.

Additionally, the Photos app has also integrated Gemini deeply, especially affecting photo editing and various functionalities on devices like the Google Pixel 10 Pro. To protect your data, you may prefer to disable logging your activity across different apps rather than turning off Gemini altogether.

Steps to Modify Photo App Settings:

1. Open the Gemini app on your phone and tap the profile icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Gemini Apps Activity to access the web dashboard.
3. Locate the Keep Activity Card and toggle the button to “Turn Off.”

Don’t forget to review connected apps like Spotify. The following steps will guide you:

1. Tap the profile icon in the top-right corner of the Gemini app.
2. Find the Connected Apps option.
3. Disable access for any unnecessary apps listed, including Google Keep or Tasks, along with others like WhatsApp and Google Home.

What Other Steps Can You Take?

Gemini offers a toolbox for power users, including capabilities for detailed email and Drive file analyses. Therefore, even if you disable it in some apps, careful usage is advisable. Furthermore, Google might still utilize your interaction data for anonymized data processing, as mentioned in their privacy policy.

“The settings in Gemini Apps Activity don’t control processing of your chats to create anonymized data to improve Google services,” they state.

With Google gradually phasing out Google Assistant for Gemini integrations in smart home devices and other areas, the potential exposure of your data is broadening.

The smartest approach? Keep Gemini disabled in as many apps as possible. Where it remains active, diligently check all privacy settings to minimize data collection while ensuring core functionalities remain intact.

By taking these steps, you can reclaim some control over your digital experience. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about protecting your privacy in a world increasingly reliant on AI. So why wait? Start customizing your settings today. You deserve to feel safe and secure in your digital life!