Concerns raised over Google's Gemini AI accessing user documents without permission

A few months ago, Google integrated the Google Gemini sidebar into Google Cloud apps like Google Docs and Google Drive to enhance AI-based features. However, concerns have arisen about Gemini accessing user documents on Google Cloud without permission, as reported by Kevin Bankston, a Senior Advisor on AI Governance who described incidents of Gemini accessing sensitive documents such as tax files without explicit consent.

Kevin encountered difficulties when attempting to disable the feature. Gemini directed him to nonexistent settings, and even after finding the correct setting, it was already disabled, indicating Gemini should not have accessed his documents. This situation raises significant questions about the effectiveness of Google's controls in managing Gemini's access to user data.

Although Google provides support documentation on using Gemini within Google Drive, it lacks clear guidance on disabling the feature or preventing unauthorized data access. Kevin shared a method on Twitter to stop Gemini from reading data by turning off Gemini extensions. Google has recommended opting out of Workspace Labs to avoid such issues, but detailed instructions on preventing Gemini from accessing documents remain unavailable.