Google will now monitor your phone! This major change has been made to Chrome and Gemini.

Google Update: A major warning has recently been issued regarding the Chrome and Gemini integration. According to reports, Google's browser is now collecting sensitive data from smartphones.

Google Update: A major warning has recently been issued regarding the Chrome and Gemini integration. According to reports, Google's browser is now collecting sensitive data from smartphones. This includes your name, location, device ID, browsing and search history, product interactions, and even purchase records.

The biggest upgrade ever

Google has announced that Gemini is now being integrated into Chrome, which the company describes as its biggest upgrade to date. However, according to a Surfshark report, this update poses the most significant threat to user privacy. According to research, Chrome and Gemini together directly collect 24 types of data, more than any other AI browser.

Comparison with Other Browsers

While Microsoft Edge and Copilot together track only half the data, browsers like Perplexity, Opera, and Brave collect much less. Surfshark warns that users should understand how much of their information is left unprotected after adding Gemini to Chrome.

Extensions and Third-Party Threats

Not only Chrome, but browsers like Edge and Firefox also offer AI extensions (like ChatGPT). However, installing these tools can expose your personal information to third-party companies. Extensions downloaded from the official store have also been caught stealing data.

How Much Truth Is There in Google's Claim?

Google says that "Gemini in Chrome is only activated when you use it yourself." But the reality is that as soon as you use it, your information is transferred to the company. Reports have also revealed that Google may bring its popular image editing tool, Nano Banana, to Google Photos. Cybersecurity experts say that every uploaded photo contains highly sensitive information, such as your facial biometric information, GPS location, device details, and social network patterns.

Apple Takes Action

On the other hand, Apple has implemented anti-fingerprinting technology by default in the Safari browser in iOS 26. However, if you use Chrome on an iPhone, you won't get this protection. Therefore, Apple has advised users to avoid Chrome and choose Safari.

Ways to Avoid Data Collection

If you're using Gemini in Chrome, you can partially control it by changing some settings.

Go to Settings > AI innovations > Gemini in Chrome and check its activity.

Under "Gemini Apps Activity," go to "Don't let data saving exceed 72 hours."

Manually control permissions like location and camera in your phone's settings.

What's Left of Your Privacy?

Cybersecurity experts say that "free" tools like Gemini and Nano Banana aren't actually free. Their business model is that your information becomes the actual product. This means that the more you use these tools, the more of your data will be transferred to the company and other platforms.