Formal Complaint: Unauthorized and Dangerous Hijacking of Power Button Function

Formal Complaint: Concerns Over Unauthorized Modification of Power Button Functionality

In recent developments, a significant issue has arisen regarding the recent update to the Google App, which has altered the functionality of the device’s power button without user consent. This update has hijacked the long-press power button to automatically launch Google’s Gemini/Assistant, effectively overriding the established power menu. This change raises serious concerns about user autonomy, safety, and accessibility.

Impact on User Control and Safety

The power button is a fundamental feature of smartphones, serving essential functions such as powering the device on or off, rebooting, and accessing emergency options. Unilaterally redirecting its long-press action compromises these critical safeguards. For many users, especially those relying on accessible design features—such as individuals with visual impairments, motor disabilities, or elderly users—this modification introduces new barriers that can hinder device usability and safety.

Such invasive changes can have real-world consequences, including causing confusion, delays in emergency situations, or even hardware risks if the user is unaware of the new behavior. Privacy and control over device functions should remain within the user’s authority, not forcibly overridden by app updates.

Incompatibility with User Commands and Expectations

Compounding the issue is the failure of the associated AI assistant feature to reverse or disable this new behavior upon request. Attempts to instruct the Assistant to disable itself from modifying the power button functionality are unsuccessful. This highlights a mismatch between user expectations and actual capabilities of the software—rendering the assistant ineffective in correcting its own actions. Such limitations call into question the role of these AI features: are they truly assistive, or merely passive components that detract from user control?

Call for Action and Transparency

As a concerned user and paying customer, I call on Google to address this matter transparently and responsibly. The company should issue an official statement clarifying the rationale behind this modification, along with assurances that user control and accessibility are prioritized. Moreover, a permanent solution should be implemented to restore the original power button behavior by default, with clear options for customization, and without requiring complex workarounds.

Conclusion

Device modifications impacting core functionalities should be subject to user consent and designed with accessibility in mind. Imposing changes without transparency or the ability to revert undermines trust and can have tangible negative implications for vulnerable users. I urge Google to reevaluate this update and reaffirm its commitment to user-centric design and safety.

*This article aims to highlight the importance of respecting user