Gemini requires several explicit permission prompts that Codex does not, mainly revolving around its permission and security model for executing commands, accessing files, network and system resources, and handling user data. These permission prompts are designed to provide a strict security boundary and user control over what Gemini can access or modify, which is more granular and interactive compared to Codex.
Explicit Permission Prompts in Gemini
1. File and Directory Access Control
Gemini, particularly in its CLI form, operates with a privacy-first permission model where it only accesses files or directories explicitly referenced in the user's prompts. The user must give explicit consent by naming the specific resources in their requestâGemini will not scan or access resources without this explicit instruction. This ensures data privacy and control, preventing any unintended access to sensitive files.
2. Command Execution Approval
Before Gemini executes any shell command, it prompts the user for explicit permission. This applies to all commands, but there are user-configurable settings where certain safe commands (like `ls`, `cat`, `pwd`) can be whitelisted to run without a prompt, while dangerous commands (like `rm`, `mkdir`, `mv`, `sudo`) require explicit confirmation. This is a safeguard against unintended file modifications or system changes and aims to avoid "prompt fatigue" by allowing users to fine-tune the permission system. Codex does not have this level of explicit command execution permission prompting.
3. Network and External Resource Access
Gemini's ability to fetch real-time information from the web or external APIs (such as Google Search) is controlled by explicit user permission. Each access instance is transparent to the user, who can approve or deny the action. This prevents unauthorized network activity initiated by AI prompts and adds a layer of security and privacy. Codex typically does not include such real-time external access capabilities by default or requires different integration mechanisms.
4. Integration with External Services
When Gemini integrates with servers or external APIs (e.g., MCP servers or other service endpoints), it does so only after explicit configuration and user consent. This ensures that no connections are automatically established without user knowledge, contrasting with more implicit behaviors in some AI models focused simply on output generation without integration permissions.
5. User Data and Device Permissions on Mobile
In contexts like Android device assistants, Gemini requests explicit permissions consistent with Google's Privacy Policy to access system and personal data such as call logs, contacts, installed apps, microphone, and location. It provides users transparency and control over these accesses, differentiating itself from Codex, which is primarily a code-generation model and does not operate as a device assistant or require such permissions.
6. Handling Uploaded Files and Images
Gemini requests explicit user consent when handling uploaded images or files, explaining how such data is used. For instance, images are analyzed and used with Google Lens technology only after user initiation, and uploaded files are processed in association with prompts only. It also clearly states that uploaded data is not used for training without explicit user permission (like including the data in feedback). Codex does not inherently require or manage such explicit permission protocols related to multimedia or file uploads.
Codex Permissions Compared to Gemini
- No Explicit Command Execution Prompts: Codex generally does not require user confirmation before generating code or executing commands. It is a language model for code generation without built-in command execution control or interactive permission prompts.
- No Scoped File Access Permissions: Codex works from the input it receives without enforcing explicit permission-controlled file access. If an environment runs Codex, permissions would be controlled externally, not by the model.
- No Direct Network or External API Access: Codex does not inherently have mechanisms to fetch or access live data or external APIs requiring runtime permission prompts.
- No Device or System Permission Management: Codex is not integrated as a device assistant or system tool requiring access to personal device data like contacts or call logs.
Summary
The explicit permission prompts Gemini requires but Codex does not include:
- Prompting before executing shell or system commands, with a configurable whitelist and dangerous command warning.
- Permission to access specific files or directories referenced in prompts, avoiding implicit broad system access.
- User approval for network or external API calls for real-time information fetching.
- Explicit consent for integrations with external services and servers.
- Mobile device permissions for accessing sensitive data and device services.
- Clear user permissions and explanations for processing uploaded files and images.