Google expands Gemini’s memory features with new privacy options

Google Gemini

Google is rolling out a new update for its Gemini AI chatbot that allows it to automatically remember past conversations and use them to personalise responses. Once enabled, Gemini will recall “key details and preferences” from your chats and apply them in future interactions.

This builds on last year’s update that let users manually ask Gemini to remember personal interests. Now, the process is automatic. For example, if you’ve discussed starting a YouTube channel about Japanese culture, Gemini might later suggest related content ideas, such as trying Japanese food.

The feature will be on by default but can be disabled in the Gemini app’s settings under Personal Context by toggling off “Your past chats with Gemini.” Google says the rollout begins today for Gemini 2.5 Pro in select countries, with expansion to more regions and the Gemini 2.5 Flash model to follow.

Privacy changes are also coming. In the next few weeks, Google will rename “Gemini Apps Activity” to “Keep Activity.” If enabled, this setting allows Google to use a sample of your file and photo uploads to improve services starting September 2nd. Users who have already disabled “Gemini Apps Activity” will remain opted out.

Google is also adding “temporary chats,” which won’t appear in recent conversations, won’t be used for personalisation or AI training, and will only be stored for 72 hours. This option is aimed at sensitive queries or situations where users don’t want Gemini to reference past discussions.

Google spokesperson Elijah Lawal told The Verge that the company is focused on creating a personal AI assistant while maintaining user control over data. “Equally crucial is giving you easy controls to choose the experience that’s best for you,” Lawal noted.