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Google Assures Privacy with Gemini AI: No Data Sharing with Third Parties

Google recently announced bringing into view its Gemini AI technology, beginning with the latest Pixel 9 devices. As part of this consequential development, Google has reassured users about the strong privacy and security measures surrounding their personal data, addressing growing concerns in the digital age.

A Strong Focus on Privacy

In an exclusive interview with Aayush Ailawadi from Business Today, Sameer Samat, the President of Google’s Android Ecosystem, emphasised that user privacy is a top priority for the company. He explained that for any AI assistant, especially one as advanced as Gemini, safeguarding user data is crucial. According to Samat, Google's longstanding commitment to privacy and security has been a cornerstone of its approach to developing Android. He pointed out that for a personal assistant to be genuinely useful, it must also be trusted to keep conversations and data secure.

Samat highlighted Google’s extensive experience and investment in artificial intelligence as a key advantage. He noted that Google controls every aspect of the AI process, from optimising the AI on users’ devices to managing it in the cloud. This comprehensive control ensures that the technology operates securely and efficiently across all platforms.

One of the standout features of the Gemini AI, according to Samat, is its ability to handle personal queries and tasks entirely within Google’s ecosystem, without involving third-party providers. This approach minimises the risk of data exposure and ensures that users' information remains within the trusted boundaries of Google’s systems. Samat stressed upon the fine details of this feature for users who are particularly concerned about who has access to their personal data.

AI That Works for Everyday Life

When asked about the broader implications of AI, Samat expressed his belief that AI technology should be open-source to better serve consumers. He emphasised that AI needs to be more than just a intricately designed tool— it should be something that genuinely helps people in their daily lives. 

Samat shared an example from his personal experience to illustrate this point. While researching a used car purchase, he used Gemini AI to quickly gather important information that would typically take much longer to find. The AI assistant provided him with a concise list of questions to ask the mechanic, reducing what would have been an hour-long research task to just a few minutes. This practical application, Samat suggested, is what consumers really value—technology that saves them time and makes life easier.

Google’s latest developments with Gemini AI signal a shift in focus from merely advancing technology to making it more accessible and beneficial for everyday use. This reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where the goal is to ensure that innovations are not only cutting-edge but also practical and user-friendly.

Google’s Gemini AI aims to offer users a more secure and private experience while also being a pragmatic tool for daily tasks. With its focus on preserving privacy, controlled data management, and utility, Google is setting new standards for how AI can convenience our lives while keeping personal information safe.



The Hidden Threat: Vulnerable App on Google Pixel Devices Puts Millions at Risk


A flaw was discovered in Google Pixel devices, raising concerns among users and experts alike. This blog delves into the details of this vulnerability, its implications, and the steps being taken to mitigate the risk.

The Discovery

A pre-installed app on Google Pixel devices, known as “Showcase.apk,” posed a severe security risk. This app, intended for demo purposes in retail stores, was found to have excessive system privileges. These privileges could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to execute remote code, install malicious packages, and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The Scope of the Problem

The affected devices include Google Pixel phones sold through Verizon, with the vulnerability dating back to at least 2016. Millions of users could be at risk, as the app has been on devices for several years. The fact that such a critical flaw went unnoticed for so long highlights the challenges in ensuring the security of pre-installed software on smartphones.

Technical Details

The “Showcase.apk” app was designed to showcase the features of Google Pixel devices in retail environments. However, its extensive system privileges made it a potential target for exploitation. The app could be used to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, allowing attackers to install malicious software, access personal data, and even control the device remotely.

The vulnerability was classified as a high-severity issue due to the potential impact on users’ privacy and security. If exploited, it could lead to data breaches, identity theft, and other malicious activities.

Google’s Response

Upon discovering the vulnerability, Google acted swiftly to address the issue. The company acknowledged the problem and initiated steps to remove the “Showcase.apk” app from affected devices. Google also assured users that there was no evidence of active exploitation of the vulnerability at the time of discovery.

In addition to removing the app, Google has been working on enhancing its security measures to prevent similar issues in the future. This includes conducting thorough security audits of pre-installed software and improving the vetting process for apps that come pre-loaded on devices. Further details are yet to be disclosed by Google.