Gemini CLI implements a privacy-focused permission model where the tool only accesses information that you explicitly provide in prompts or reference through specific file paths. The CLI operates on an explicit consent basis, meaning users maintain complete control over what context and files are shared with the AI model on a prompt-by-prompt basis. When you reference files or directories in your prompts, only those specifically mentioned resources are made available to the model for processing. This approach ensures that the CLI doesn’t automatically scan your entire file system or access sensitive data without your direct authorization.
The tool implements multi-layered security measures including user confirmation requirements and sandboxing capabilities. When Gemini CLI suggests actions that would modify files, execute commands, or make changes to your system, you’re prompted to approve these actions before they’re carried out. This confirmation step prevents unintended modifications and gives you the opportunity to review what the CLI plans to do before execution. For additional security, Gemini CLI supports sandbox environments that can isolate the tool’s operations, and users can configure custom sandboxes using Docker containers to further limit the tool’s access to system resources.
It’s important to understand that while Gemini CLI runs locally on your machine, the actual AI processing occurs in Google’s cloud infrastructure. This means that any data you share with the tool is transmitted to Google’s servers for processing, following Google’s standard privacy policies and terms of service. The tool doesn’t store persistent copies of your files on Google’s servers, but the content you share is processed remotely. For users with strict privacy requirements, tools like Firejail can be used to create additional isolation layers, limiting Gemini CLI’s access to specific directories rather than your entire home directory. This approach allows you to maintain the benefits of AI assistance while minimizing the scope of data that could potentially be accessed or transmitted.