Fact · Voice privacy and security
Google says Gemini apps wait in standby until activated, and that audio recordings may begin a few seconds before activation, which means a recording can start by accident.
Checked against its source on October 17, 2026
In the source's own words
“Audio recordings may begin a few seconds before activation.”
Gemini Apps privacy and data retention (Google Help), Google, n.d., Keep in mind.
Open the original- What it measures
- Google gives the example of the Hey Google phrase. The same passage says accidental activations can happen when Gemini detects a similar noise.
- What it does not show
- Google's wording is about activation by voice commands. It does not say how long those early seconds are kept.