Check Android Auto settings before granting Gemini access to your private data

Google is introducing a new capability in Android Auto that allows its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant to read your personal data, including emails, photos, and calendar events. This feature, called Personal Intelligence, is designed to provide more relevant answers by using your private information as context. Users must actively choose to enable this feature, and it remains turned off by default until they change the settings.

In plain English

This update changes how the voice assistant in your car understands your requests. Previously, the assistant relied only on general knowledge or the specific query you typed or spoke. Now, if you allow it, the system can look at your upcoming meetings, recent emails, or saved pictures to give better answers. For example, if you ask about flight delays, it can check your calendar for your trip details.

The background

Google first introduced Gemini to Android Auto and cars with Google built-in late last year. This initial release replaced the older Google Assistant with a model that understands natural language better. The company had previously launched Personal Intelligence on Android phones and in Search, where it proved helpful by synthesizing information across apps. This new Android Auto update is the next step in that strategy.

What changes now

Starting today, users can grant Gemini access to their Gmail, Calendar, Photos, and other native services. This allows the AI to provide tailored responses based on your personal context, such as dietary restrictions found in emails or upcoming schedule conflicts. If you do not enable Personal Intelligence, the assistant will continue to provide answers based solely on general knowledge, just as it did before this update.

Key terms explained

Personal Intelligence refers to AI features that use your private data to improve responses. Teams usually review which apps have access to sensitive information. Users should check whether the benefits of personalized answers outweigh the privacy risks. It is important to understand that granting access means the system can read your content. You can typically limit this access to specific services rather than all data.

What to do and how to stay safe: Google

• Review the settings for Gemini in Android Auto to ensure Personal Intelligence is disabled if you prefer not to share private data.
• Check which specific Google services, such as Gmail or Photos, have permission to be accessed by the assistant if you enable the feature.
• Monitor your account activity logs to see when and how the AI assistant is using your personal information for responses.
• Update your Android Auto software to the latest version to ensure you have the most recent security patches and feature controls.

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

Does Gemini automatically read my emails and photos?

No, the feature is opt-in and disabled by default, so you must actively choose to grant access to your personal services.

What kind of data can Gemini access in Android Auto?

Google states that Gemini can access your Gmail, Calendar, Photos, and other native Google services if you permit it.

How does this help with driving?

By using context from your schedule or emails, the assistant can provide more relevant answers, potentially reducing the need for follow-up questions.