Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
Gemini in Android Auto can use personal data, raising privacy concerns
Google began rolling out Personal Intelligence in Android Auto on October 20.
With permission, Gemini can use information from services such as Gmail, Calendar, Photos, Maps, YouTube and Search to answer questions or help with directions.
That can make in-car help more personal, such as finding a flight gate in an email or routing to an appointment in a calendar.
But the feature may reveal private information when other people are in the car, and it does not appear to detect whether passengers are present.
Drivers can turn it off or choose connected apps in the Gemini app’s settings.
Navigation, music, calls and general questions still work when Personal Intelligence is off, but Gemini no longer uses account data for personalized answers.
Cars with Google built-in are expected to get the feature in the coming months; it is currently limited to eligible personal accounts and is unavailable in some regions.
Google began releasing Personal Intelligence for Gemini in Android Auto on October 20, allowing it to use data from connected Google services with the user’s permission.
The feature can draw on Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, Maps, YouTube and Search to personalize answers and directions.
Android Police warns that personal information could be exposed to passengers and recommends reviewing privacy settings before driving with others.
Users can turn Personal Intelligence off or choose which connected services Gemini can access.
The feature is limited to eligible personal Google accounts and is not available in several regions.
- Who
- Google is releasing Personal Intelligence for Gemini in Android Auto. Eligible users with personal Google accounts can use it.
- What
- Gemini can use data from connected Google services to personalize its responses and help with tasks such as finding a flight gate or a destination.
- When
- Google started releasing the feature on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- In Android Auto. The feature is unavailable in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the UK and Nigeria.
- Why
- It is intended to provide personalized assistance using a user’s Google account data; Android Police raises concerns about exposing that information to passengers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Google started releasing Personal Intelligence for Gemini in the car.
Android Police published its advice on reviewing Gemini and Android Auto privacy settings.
- Connected services
- Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Photos, Maps, YouTube and Search
- Minimum age
- 18
- Unavailable regions
- European Economic Area, Switzerland, UK and Nigeria
- Account eligibility
- Personal Google accounts; Workspace business, enterprise and education accounts are ineligible
- Car availability
- Android Auto is getting the feature; cars with Google built-in are next in the coming months
What people are saying
I haven't seen anything suggesting it can tell a solo commute from a packed back seat.
That's not something I want narrated.