Google Denies Using Gmail Content for AI Training Amid Privacy Controversy

Google denies 'misleading' reports of Gmail using your emails to train AI

Google is pushing back on viral social media posts and articles like this one by Malwarebytes, claiming Google has changed its policy to use your Gmail messages and attachments to train AI models, and the only way to opt out is by disabling "smart features" like spell checking. But Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson tells The Verge that "these reports are misleading - we have not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model." You may want to double-check your settings anyway, as one Verge staffer also says they had opted out of some of the Smart Features, but had been opted back in to having them on. In January, Google updated its smart feature personalization settings so that you could turn the features for Google Workspace and for other Google products (like Maps and Wallet) independently of each other. In addition to things like spell checking, having Gmail's smart features turned on enables features like tracking orders or easily adding flights from Gmail to your calendar. Enabling the feature in Workspace says that "you agree to let Google Workspace use your Workspace content and activity to personalize your experience across Workspace," according to the settings page, but according to Google, that does not mean handing over the content of your emails to use for AI training.

Google's AI is now snooping on your emails without your permission - here's how to opt out

A lawsuit has been filed charging Google with privacy violations. Are you OK with Google snooping on your private emails to help train its AI without your permission? Nope, didn't think so. But apparently that's what the company has been doing. Also: Are AI browsers worth the security risk? Why experts are worried In a Thursday blog post, security firm Malwarebytes detailed a new change now rolling out to Gmail users in which their private emails and attachments are being used to train the company's Gemini and other AI tools. Specifically, your emails could be analyzed to improve such features as Gmail's Smart Compose, Smart Reply, and predictive text. But it doesn't stop there. Google may also be snooping on your data in Chat, Meet, and Drive. The problem here is that these options could be enabled automatically without your knowledge or permission. I checked the three Gmail settings described by Malwarebytes. All three were turned on. The setting for "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet" allows Google to use your content in Gmail, Chat, and Meet to provide smart features. The setting for "Smart features in Google Workspace" grants Gemini access to your data, allowing it to summarize your content. The third setting for "Smart features in other Google products" taps into your data in other products to suggest everything from restaurants to event tickets. Now, you may be fine with Google analyzing your private data if it means you can use all its cool AI tools to answer your questions, improve your content, and personalize your experience. That's not the point. Rather, the issue here is two-fold. Also: Google's Antigravity puts coding productivity before AI hype - and the result is astonishing First, Google seems to be opting you in to these features without your permission. Second, the company doesn't seem to have notified its users about this. As a Gmail user, I don't recall seeing any notifications about this change. If you think this sounds unethical, you're not alone. A proposed class-action lawsuit filed on November 11 in federal court in San Jose, California, alleges that Google secretly granted Gemini access to the private communications of Gmail, Chat, and Meet users. As reported by Bloomberg on November 12, the suit charges that doing so without the consent of users and making it difficult to opt out may be a violation of the California Invasion of Privacy Act. So far, Google hasn't publicly chimed in on the lawsuit. I reached out to the company for comment and will update the story if I get a response. If you don't want Google snooping on your data for AI training, you can certainly turn off any or all of the three key settings. Here's how. On the desktop, sign in to the Gmail website, click the Gear icon in the upper right, and then select the button to view all settings. At the General screen on the Settings page, look for the Smart features section. If the setting for "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet" is turned on, click the checkbox to turn if off. Also: How to turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more - it's easy to opt out of AI In the next section for Google Workspace smart features, click the button to manage Workspace smart feature settings. At the pop-up window, turn off the switches for "Smart features in Google Workspace" and "Smart features in other Google products." In the Gmail mobile app, tap the three-lined icon in the upper left and select Settings. In the iOS app, tap the setting for Data privacy. In the Android app, tap the name of your Google account. Turn off the switch for Smart features. Tap the option for "Google Workspace smart features" and then turn off the switches for "Smart features in Google Workspace" and "Smart features in other Google products."

Google: No, We're Not Secretly Training Gemini on Your Gmail Account

Google has hit back at claims circulating on social media, which alleged that the tech giant is training its Google Gemini AI on users' emails without their permission. In an official statement shared with The Verge, Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson called reports "misleading," saying that the company has "not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model." Some users on X weren't pleased by the idea of their private email communications being fed into Gemini, with one user calling it "the largest consent manufacturing operation in history." Some of these claims were even reprinted in a blog from antivirus software firm Malwarebytes. One social media post told readers that all Gmail users had been "automatically opted in to allow Gmail to access all your private messages and attachments to train AI models," directing them to manually turn off Smart Features, Gmail's AI-powered productivity tools. Google Workspace Privacy Policy clearly states that although any data shared with Gemini directly (for example, a prompt you type in the app) will be retained and may be used for AI training. Data from Google Workspace apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, or Gmail isn't used for AI training or accessed by Gemini automatically. Google Workspace data may be accessed by Gemini if you direct it to -- for example, asking the AI to proof your copy on Google Docs. This isn't the first time that Gmail, which has 2.5 billion users all over the planet, has had to contend with false reports circulating online in 2025. In September, false viral reports circulated online claiming that Google had issued a security warning to all Gmail users, urging them to change their passwords immediately. Though claims about Gmail harvesting users' data for AI training may be false, some paranoia about tech firms leveraging their users' data to train their AI may be understandable. In regions like the EU, which has stricter data protection laws than the US, more and more firms, such as Meta and LinkedIn, are announcing plans to now leverage some user data for AI training. Google has been caught leveraging users' data without proper permission before. In May 2025, the tech giant agreed to pay out $1.375 billion after allegedly harvesting Texans' biometric data without consent.

Google Workspace AI 'smart features' are on by default

Google's "don't be evil" ethos is so 2015. These days, the Chocolate Factory is all about integrating users with bots, whether they like it or not. Now, it's rolling out Workspace "smart features" that process personal content with AI, and many users are finding the settings enabled by default. Engineering YouTuber Dave Jones noticed this week that he had been opted into a set of new Workspace smart features without ever being asked. According to Google's help page for the features, the point of the on-by-default settings is to add its Gemini AI across Workspace in order to suck in all your Gmail, Calendar, Chat, Drive, and Meet data so that it can all be cross-referenced. As Google notes further down on the help page - where it says the setting isn't on by default in the EU, Switzerland, UK or Japan due to those regions' more robust privacy laws and tries to justify getting users to opt in - any and all of the smart Workspace features that users enable may result in Workspace content and activity being processed to improve those features. Google is clear on what that means, but not on that help page. You'll need to visit a different article to get the gist of what Google intends to do with Workspace user data. There, you'll find the following passage: We do not use your Workspace data to train or improve the underlying generative AI and large language models that power Bard, Search, and other systems outside of Workspace without permission. When users are opted into smart features without actively granting consent, however, it's entirely possible your personal data - emails, Google documents, and the like - is being used to train Gemini and other AI models without explicit consent. We reached out to Google for clarification, but didn't immediately hear back. Others have reported that their Google accounts haven't been opted in by default to the smart features yet, but when this vulture checked his personal and work Gmail accounts this morning while writing this story, he found that both accounts had the smart features toggled on. It's worth checking yours to be sure you're opted out if you're concerned about the privacy of your personal Google data. Start by logging into Gmail and clicking on the gear icon in the upper right corner of the Gmail screen. From there, click See All Settings. Once the Settings window appears, scroll down until you see the smart features field, which should be directly above Google Workspace Smart Features. Uncheck the box that turns on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet, after which point Gmail will prompt you to reload. Note: If you rely on the inbox categories that Gmail added a while ago, sorry - those are only available if you leave smart features toggled on, since without them the AI won't be scanning your inbox to decide what goes where. Double note: Google has also very helpfully stuck grammar and spell checking and autocorrect behind smart features as well, so if you toggle them off, you're going to have to rely on your own proficiency in the English language - or your OS' built-in spell checking - to keep yourself from appearing to be an idiot. Disabling the first set of smart features won't take care of the rest of the Workspace smart features in the second category mentioned above, so the next thing you'll need to do is click on Manage Workspace smart feature settings to disable those items. Once that's done, you'll be a little bit safer from Google's prying eyes - at least in theory. The Chocolate Factory hasn't been the best at honoring privacy settings in the past, so it's debatable whether these toggles will do much more than simply deprive users of useful features while Google continues to gorge itself on your personal data. ®

Google denies Gmail reads your emails and attachments to train AI, but here's how to opt-out anyway

Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust. Connecting the dots: Gmail users who are concerned about how Google handles their data should look for the toggles for smart features in the settings menu. The fine print states that the AI functionality, which includes many features, is intended mainly for personalizing the user experience. However, some remain suspicious given Google's efforts to insert Gemini into all of its products. The settings menu states that users who enable smart features agree to let Google use their information and activity to personalize the experience. Malwarebytes and blogger Dave Jones interpreted the wording to mean that the company is training AI with user content, but Google insists this isis inaccurate. To reach the settings menu, click the gear icon on the top right corner of the window, next to the Gemini icon. The smart features are located in two sections near the bottom of the list under Settings > General. The first section controls smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet, including spell check, spam filters, and automatic email sorting. To reach the second section, click the button that opens the Workspace smart features menu. This menu contains two toggles for functions such as displaying Gmail events in Google Calendar, generating summaries with AI, and managing restaurant reservations. After adjusting the settings, click Save and reload. Google has flatly denied using user content to train Gemini, noting that Gmail has offered some of these features for many years. However, the Workspace menu refers to newly added Gemini functionality several times. The company also denied automatically modifying user permissions, but some people have reported needing multiple attempts to turn off smart features. Gmail started using AI in late 2023 when it incorporated the technology into its spam blocker. The following year, it introduced an AI writing assistant. Earlier this year, Google began activating AI generated summaries by default on mobile devices and added AI powered tools to Gmail search. In addition to raising privacy concerns, Gmail's AI functionality has exposed serious vulnerabilities. In March, Mozilla found that attackers could easily inject prompts that would cause the client's AI generated summaries to become phishing messages. Other services that have previously trained AI on user content include Facebook, LinkedIn, Slack, and YouTube. These days researchers are going beyond software and started observing people in real life in order to train future AI-powered robots.

Gmail might be harvesting your emails to train AI -- here's how to opt out

Summary Gmail data (including attachments) is used by Google to train AI by default; you must opt out. Sensitive emails -- work, medical, bills -- can be scanned unless you disable smart features. Turn off 'Smart features and personalization' in Gmail and across Google to stop data sharing. A big concern in this new and fancy AI era is taking proper care of the stuff we actually give to AI models. These days, training AI models with your input is typically an opt-in thing -- mostly because governments already had a say in it. Google, however, is apparently taking the liberty to train Gemini using your Gmail account. And you actually need to opt out. Google has apparently implemented data practices within Gmail that allow the company to utilize user emails for training its artificial intelligence models. Google's systems are accessing the contents of emails, including attachments, to refine and power AI-driven features such as Smart Compose and automated reply suggestions. While these features are designed to enhance user convenience, the method by which they are powered has raised significant privacy concerns, particularly because Google has enabled these data-sharing settings by default. This means that unless users take manual action to opt out, their correspondence is currently being used to train Google's algorithms. Because the AI training involves scanning the actual content of messages to understand context and language patterns, sensitive information is potentially vulnerable. Without manual intervention, the system has access to a wide array of private documents that frequently pass through email servers, including confidential workplace conversations, medical records from healthcare providers, utility bills, and monthly bank statements. What's worse is the fact that it's actually opt-out. When you enable AI features within Gmail or Google Workspace, you're automatically giving your consent for Google to scan through all that stuff. Thankfully, as I just said, you can actually opt out. By clicking the gear icon to access the Settings menu -- or selecting "See All Settings" on your phone -- you can scroll down to the "Smart features and personalization" section. Here, there is a checkbox labeled "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet." Unchecking this box stops the core data collection for these specific communication apps. Desktop users must ensure they scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Save Changes" for the selection to take effect. There's also a second layer of settings that governs how data is shared across the broader Google ecosystem. After addressing the first setting, you must return to the Settings menu and locate the section for "Smart features and personalization in other Google products." This toggle controls how Gmail, Chat, and Meet data is used to personalize experiences in other Google services, such as Maps or Assistant. Once both settings are disabled, the changes apply universally to the Google account, meaning you do not need to repeat the process on every device they own. It's pretty bad, but make sure to follow the above steps so you're completely in the clear. Source: Malwarebytes via AppleInsider

Google says Gemini isn't trained on Gmail, pushing back on 'misleading reports'

If you've seen scattered reports across social media regarding Gmail's newfound focus on training Google's AI models on your emails, you can take a deep breath, as the company says these reports are "misleading." Last week, various posts across social media like this one went viral, accusing Google of automatically opting Gmail users into AI model training through the company's Workspace-based "smart features." When publications like Malwarebytes -- which has since issued a correction to its reporting -- picked up on the bait, Google clearly found itself in a situation where it needed to reply. Late on Friday, the company issued this stance through Gmail's Twitter account, pushing back on reports and pointing out that those "smart features" aren't exactly new. It's a fairly direct statement, even if the word "misleading" leaves wiggle room for additional concerns. Still, taking this comment at face value, Google says Gmail messages are not used to train Gemini, no user's settings have been adjusted within Gmail to allow for training AI models, and if a change to the company's terms and policies does happen, it'll make a clear and direct announcement. It's understandable for consumers to be concerned their data is being harvested to fuel AI models, especially because, in some cases, it is. But at the same time, these sorts of posts aren't too far away from the "share this post to stop Facebook from (insert bad change here)" memes that frequently spread across the web throughout the 2010s. Considering how platforms like Twitter allow users to monetize their posts, this sort of scam now has a financial incentive behind it, even if there's a genuine concern fueling the bulk of those reposts. While the actions of Big Tech over the past decade or so have left consumers understandably untrusting of these companies, it's worth remembering that a stranger on social media is just as likely -- if not more so -- to lie to you. Doing your due diligence is a good idea, but keeping a healthy skepticism over social media-centric posts like this is equally important.

The internet is saying AI is training off your Gmail account -- but Google denies it entirely

Viral posts on X claim that Google has changed its policies to allow Gmail messages and attachments to be used to train AI models. Now, Google is pushing back on these claims. According to these claims, not only was Google using data from Gmail for training, but the only way to opt out of it was to disable 'smart features' such as spell checking. According to The Verge, Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson has said, "These reports are misleading -- we have not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model." In one viral post from user Dave Jones on X, he posted a screenshot of the settings in Gmail. In here, under smart features, it states, "When you turn this setting on, you agree to let Gmail, Chat, and Meet use your content and activity in these products to provide smart features and personalize your experience." This is followed by similar messages for Google Workspace and smart features in "other Google products." Google has made it clear that if there is any major change to its training system, it will be transparent and inform its users. Google has been implementing its AI across its tools for months, if not years by this point. So why is it only becoming a concern now? As part of the recent rollout of Gemini 3, Google's latest advancement in its AI technology, Google unveiled a host of new features across its platforms. This includes a lot of integration into the likes of Gmail, where a lot of personal information is being stored. As Google points out, it doesn't use the information within this area for training, but it does mean AI is directly interacting with your messages and emails. For some, this won't be a concern, but for others, it does mean AI is becoming more involved across their personal or work life. As Google points out above, you can turn on or off these smart features if you don't want them involved. However, The Verge has reported that one of its staffers said they had opted out, but had been opted back in without them knowing. Smart features are, quite simply, the AI integration found across the Google Workspace. This includes using Gemini to summarize emails, automatically adding flights from your Gmail to your Google Calendar or moving all of your gift cards mentioned in emails to your Google Wallet. While Google has offered smart features for a while now, the number of them has rapidly increased, seeing integrations happening across the different platforms multiple times throughout a day.

Panic over - Google says your Gmails aren't being used train its Gemini AI and explains what 'Smart Features' do instead

Privacy and artificial intelligence are both a big deal right now, so it wasn't a surprise to see recent claims that Google is using your Gmail to train its Gemini AI model go viral. Fortunately, those claims were incorrect, as Google has now dismissed them as "misleading" and explained what's really happening. According to the original (and now corrected) article from security firm Malwarebytes, you could keep your data out of Gemini's hands by disabling Gmail's Smart Features. However, Google has now pushed back, stating that it doesn't use "Gmail content" to train Gemini. Google's response came as part of a statement given to The Verge, where company spokesperson Jenny Thomson said: "These reports are misleading - we have not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model." Shortly after this statement was made, Malwarebytes corrected its original article. The updated piece noted that while the Gmail settings in question weren't actually new, "the way Google recently rewrote and surfaced them led a lot of people (including us) to believe Gmail content might be used to train Google's AI models, and that users were being opted in automatically." The official explanation of Google's Smart Features in Gmail, Chat and Meet is that they "use your content and activity in these products to personalize your experience in those apps". What does that mean? Some specific examples include automatic email filtering, smart compose (those text suggestions you get in email) and summary cards above emails (which give you a quick synopsis of order tracking, events and more). All potentially useful then, but not the same thing as training Google Gemini. You can check to see if Smart Features are turned on in Gmail by going to Settings > General and scrolling down to 'Smart features'. Here you'll see a check box for turning the setting on or off. Google says this should be turned off by default, though some users have anecdotally claimed otherwise. We've checked with Google to confirm that Smart Features are still opt-in for both Workspace and standard Gmail, and will update this article if we hear back. Malwarebytes clarified that after examining Google's documentation more closely, it doesn't appear that Google is using your email content to train its AI. While Google scans your emails to enable its Smart Features - which include spam filters, email categorization, writing suggestions and more - it does not do this to help train Gemini. So, where did the confusion stem from? Malwarebytes claimed that "Google's updated language around "smart features" is vague, and the term "smart" often implies AI - especially at a time when Gemini is being integrated into other parts of Google's products. When the new wording started appearing for some users without much explanation, many assumed it signaled a broader shift", it said. As well as that, this whole furore has happened around the same time as a proposed class-action lawsuit in California, which "alleges that Google gave Gemini AI access to Gmail, Chat, and Meet without proper user consent," according to Malwarebytes. If you were worried that Google was taking your private emails and feeding them into an oblique AI algorithm, that doesn't appear to be the case. That said, Google hasn't always had the best reputation for user privacy, with numerous controversies erupting in the last few years. If you want a truly private email experience, there are plenty of good alternatives.

Google says it isn't using your Gmail to train AI

You may have seen the now-viral warnings that Google is snooping around your Gmail account and using your emails to train its AI models. "IMPORTANT message for everyone using Gmail," reads the most viral post on X from user Dave Jones. "You have been automatically OPTED IN to allow Gmail to access all your private messages & attachments to train AI models." This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Numerous outlets have now reported on these claims, usually followed by a step-by-step process to shut off Gmail's Smart Features, which supposedly stop Google from using your emails. But it's not true, according to Google. The company is not using your Gmail account to train its AI, even if users leave the Smart Features on. "These reports are misleading - we have not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model," said a Google spokesperson in a response provided to Mashable. "Lastly, we are always transparent and clear if we make changes to our terms of service and policies," Google continued. Mashable was initially skeptical about the claims that Google was using users' emails to train AI unless users opted out of a feature. Smart features, which essentially integrate Google's AI model Gemini into a user's Google Workspace account, have been available for some time now. This is not a new feature. Additionally, Google has been explicit about its commitment to user privacy regarding AI models, such as Gemini. "Your data stays in Workspace," reads Google's policy page on Gemini. "We do not use your Workspace data to train or improve the underlying generative AI and large language models that power Gemini, Search, and other systems outside of Workspace without permission." Some users seem to have interpreted giving Gemini access to Gmail by turning Smart features on as equivalent to granting Google that permission. However, Google has previously addressed this on its AI on Google Workspace page, stating that this is not the case. The permissions a user grants with these Smart features are specifically to let Gemini access the data for that user's use cases, not AI training. Users are certainly justified in questioning the AI policies of all tech companies. We are aware that numerous companies have already trained their AI models on data and content for which they did not have permission to use. And any user who wants to turn off AI features to be safe is well within their right to do so. But, this specific claim about Google training its AI using emails from Gmail accounts unless users specific turn off a few features appears to be completely false.

Google clarifies Gmail's Smart Features don't use your data to train the Gemini AI model

Google moves to calm privacy concerns as confusion around Gmail's Smart Features sparks debate over how user data fuels modern AI systems. What's happened? After the X user @eevblog shared alleged screenshots of Google automatically opting everyone in to let Gmail access their messages and attachments, Gmail issued a public statement denying the claim. Gmail says that the platform hasn't changed anyone's settings without their consent. "We do not use your Gmail content to train our Gemini AI model," mentions an X post from the official Gmail account. The platform emphasizes that "Smart Features," the one that helps in tracking orders or automatically populating calendar items, have existed "for many years." Why is this important? If Gmail were indeed using our emails and attachments to train its AI model, it would raise some serious questions around privacy, consent, and data governance for millions of users. Because Gmail is among the most popular email services used for both personal and professional communication, any ambiguity about how Google uses that data can erode people's trust in it. The structure of the settings is a bit complex, which could lead to confusion among users. Hence, the official statement comes as a big relief to users worried about their privacy. Recommended Videos Why should I care? If you were concerned about using Gmail for your day-to-day communication, Google's update should help you decide. While the "Smart Features" toggle in my Gmail settings lets Gmail, Chat, and Meet use "content and activity" in these products, Google's statement explicitly states that the data isn't used to train Gemini AI. You may want to review your Gmail settings, especially the Smart Features toggle, and turn it off in case you aren't using it. OK, what's next? We should see Google streamline and clarify its data-use settings, making it clearer what "Smart Features" and "personalization" mean and how they differ from data used to train an AI model. Regulators and privacy advocates could push for formal disclosure or opt-in requirements for AI training uses of content. For users, this could be an alert to check the settings of every app or platform they use daily.

Google Denies Reading Your Gmail to Train Its AI

"We do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model." Google has denied that it's been quietly rifling through users' personal Gmail accounts to train its AI models on their emails and attachments. Cybersecurity company Malwarebytes caused an uproar last week when it warned in a blog post that the tech giant was rolling out features that gave its AI models access to private messages and files. However, Malwarebytes later added a giant correction to the story, writing that the "way Google recently rewrote and surfaced [the features] led a lot of people (including us) to believe Gmail content might be used to train Google's AI models, and that users were being opted in automatically. But after "taking a closer look at Google's documentation and reviewing other reporting," it conceded, "that doesn't appear to be the case." A Google spokesperson likewise called the claim "misleading," saying the company had "not changed anyone's settings." "Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model," the spokesperson said. "Lastly, we are always transparent and clear if we make changes to our terms of service and policies." The controversy highlights ongoing backlash to tech companies shoving their AI features down the throats of users at all costs. Other platforms, including SoundCloud and WeTransfer, have been caught quietly updating their terms of service to train their AI models on user content -- so it's not surprising that accusations like the one against Google are making their way into the discourse, even if they're totally wrong.

AppleInsider.com

Once again, Google has decided for you that your data is its toy. Here's how to stop Gmail from training its AI on your email. There's no shortage of big tech companies that want to use your data to train their large language models. Recently, I discussed how Meta wanted Facebook users to grant it permission to upload their entire camera roll to its cloud -- perpetually. This time, it's Google doing the data harvesting. Gmail now wants to use your emails -- including any attachments you have -- to train its AI models for features like Smart Compose and AI-generated replies. For some reason, Google has made this feature opt-out by default, rather than opt-in. And, to make matters worse, it's actually enabled in two different places, not just one, as spotted by Malware Bytes. I, as well as my cohorts here at AppleInsider, strongly suggest turning the feature off. There's no reason Google should be able to access sensitive data like emails from your healthcare providers, utility bills and bank statements, or confidential workplace conversations without your explicit permission, if at all. Here's a quick guide on how to disable Gmail AI training -- be sure to do both, or else Google will still be able to use your data to some degree. How to turn off Google's AI training for Gmail, Chat, and Meet Once you've completed that, don't forget to do the second part as well. How to disable Google Workspace Smart Features The setting applies to your account, not just the browser or app. This means you'll only need to disable the feature once for it to apply everywhere. And, good news for users in the EU, Japan, Switzerland, and the UK: apparently, Google's been compelled to opt you out by default -- so you won't need to make any of these changes. As always, I suggest that you help friends and family who may not be as tech savvy navigate these features. Especially if they don't know what they're consenting to by using a service in the first place.

Google Sparks Backlash After Gmail Setting Lets Gemini Peek Inside Inboxes - Decrypt

Google said the system came from long-standing smart features that automate routine tasks. A toggle buried inside Gmail set off a public firestorm this week after users realized it allowed Google's Gemini AI to analyze their emails and calendars by default. Posts across social media showed confusion about when the feature had been enabled and how much personal information it had touched. The uproar intensified as people complained that Google had given no notice that the feature had been activated. Many users said they had never agreed to anything resembling AI training and were surprised to learn their inboxes and scheduling data supported Gemini unless they turned the setting off themselves. "You have been automatically opted in to allow Gmail to access all your private messages & attachments to train AI models," electronics design engineer and content creator Dave Jones wrote on X. You have to manually turn off Smart Features in the settings menu in two locations." What Google said Google said the setting came from its updated Smart Features system across Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Chat, and Meet. The company described the tools as conveniences that relied on Workspace data to handle routine tasks. Examples included adding flight details from Gmail to Calendar, showing order-tracking summaries, compiling tickets and loyalty cards in Google Wallet, and letting Gemini reference Drive files while drafting emails. Google said the update gave users more granular controls and did not change its underlying data-handling practices, but noted that these features required access to email, calendar entries, and other Workspace content to work. The problem, however, is that Google did not give users the chance to turn the feature off before it was in use. Opting out The Smart Features prompt can be accessed in Gmail's settings wheel. "When you turn this setting on, you agree to let Gmail, Chat, and Meet use your content and activity in these products to provide smart features and personalize your experience," the prompt reads. After toggling off "Turn on Smart Features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet," users still need to go to the Manage Workspace Smart Features settings and toggle off Smart Features in Google Workspace and in other Google products to opt out entirely. "I went immediately to my Settings and the explanatory material," another user wrote on X. "Google tells me that the Smart Features are off by default in the UK, and this does seem to be true in my case, if they can ever be trusted." Google did not respond to a request for comment by Decrypt. While Google has worked with artificial intelligence and machine learning for more than a decade, the controversy comes at a time when the technology giant is adding AI to all of its products, including Gmail, video, Chat, search, and phones. In October, Google launched Veo 3, its upgraded AI video generator. Earlier this month, it added Gemini to the Google Maps app, and on Tuesday, Google released the latest version of its flagship AI, Gemini 3. The Gemini backlash is the latest in a long line of complaints and criticisms about how Google handles user data. In 2014, the company acknowledged scanning user emails to protect against malware and spam while tailoring the user experience. "Our automated systems analyse your content (including emails) to provide you personally relevant product features, such as customised search results, tailored advertising, and spam and malware detection," Google's Terms of Service said at the time. "This analysis occurs as the content is sent, received, and when it is stored." Some users on Reddit voiced deeper distrust, arguing that the new setting changed little about how Google handled their data. "They're scanning your email anyway, Gemini or not. They already know everything that's in there, so opting out makes no difference. The option to opt out is there to provide a placebo sense of privacy," a Redditor wrote. "The only way out is to not use Gmail. Even if you do opt out, they will still use your email to train their model. There's just too much data, and data is too valuable not to use, even if it's illegal." The episode showed the challenge of adding generative AI into products used by more than a billion people. As Google pushed Gemini deeper into its productivity suite, the reaction suggested many users remained unclear about when their personal communication data was involved.

Google Says It Isn't Using Your Emails to Train Its AI

Smart features also has no control over AI training, and is used for personal customization only. Last week, tech headlines were abuzz with a concerning claim: According to some on social media platforms, and even some news outlets, Google had secretly opted Gmail users into sharing their emails with Gemini. The goal? To train Google's AI. While this controversy set off quite a lot of noise, it appears much of the conversation kicked off with this inflammatory post on X, complete with select words in all caps: This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. According to the poster, the only remedy for the situation is to disable a setting you've probably never heard of: "smart features." The claims suggest "smart features" was switched on in two locations on your account: One that controls Gmail, Chat, and Meet, and another that enables it in the larger Google Workspace suite -- assuming you have a Workspace account. The "smoking gun" is a small part of Google's privacy policy which says that the company does not use your Workspace data to train its AI models, without permission. Taken at face value, the assertion is that Google opted you into these settings, thus taking your "permission" to start using your data for this AI training. As of this morning, the post has nearly 150,000 likes on X, but the claims spread far and wide across the internet. Even Malwarebytes ran a story explaining the situation, and urging users to disable these settings to keep their messages out of Google's AI training. As it turns out, however, Google doesn't actually appear to be doing this. I reached out to Google on Friday to see if the company had any comment concerning these claims. In response, I received the following from a Google spokesperson: "These reports are misleading -- we have not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model. Lastly, we are always transparent and clear if we make changes to our terms of service and policies." Indeed, "smart features" has existed for years. In fact, Lifehacker first covered the setting back in 2020, nearly three years before Google first launched Bard (now Gemini). To the claimants' credit, smart features does use your data to improve Google features, but not to train AI models en masse. Instead, smart features uses your data to customize your specific Google experience. In Gmail, that might mean learning how you write, to generate more relevant smart replies; in Search, that might mean suggesting keywords based on previous searches; in Maps, that might mean showing restaurant reservations; in Wallet, that might mean recommending tickets for shows based on your interests. Smart features also powers core Google features, like spam filters and categorization. That's not to say that you should necessarily be down for smart features: If you personally don't care for Google collecting your data to customize your personal experience, you can absolutely turn these features off. But it's important to understand what you're choosing to turn on or off: Just because someone claims that these features are doing something doesn't make it true. Turn off smart features if you want, but just know that it has no impact on how Google handles your private messages, or how it trains its AI models for everyone. Plus, it may impact how apps like Gmail function: You may not be able to sort your emails into categories, or stop certain spam from getting into your inbox. If you do want to turn off smart features, it's easy to do. You'll find the settings in the Gmail web app: Click the settings gear, then choose "See all settings." Here, scroll down, and disable the toggle next to "Smart features." You'll need to agree to "Turn off and reload" Gmail in order to see the changes take effect. If you have a Workspace account, you have another settings page to manage. Click "Manage Workspace smart features settings," then disable the toggles next to "Smart features in Google Workspace" and "Smart features in other Google products." Finally, choose "Save." Just remember: These settings control a number of smart features across your Google products. As such, you might notice certain features missing going forward. To revert your changes, return to these settings pages at any time and flip the toggles back on. The dust has settled since controversy's peak last week. Malwarebytes issued a correct to its original article, sharing the same spokesperson statement I received. The site says that Google's vague rewrite of the smart features setting contributed to this confusion, but that it does appear the setting doesn't scrape users' private messages to train Gemini. However, that's not to say Google is entirely in the clear here. While this specific claim might not be true, a lawsuit claims the company improperly gave Gemini private user data from Gmail, Chat, and Meet without the permission of those users. Google as a whole doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to respecting users' privacy too, so it's not surprising that these claims took off the way they did. Malwarebytes also makes the point that while Google says these settings are all opt-in, many users don't actually remember opting in themselves, further fueling confusion around smart features. To be candid, I definitely don't remember enabling smart features on either my personal or work Gmail accounts, though it's entirely possible I did. All I know is these settings are on now, and while I'm considering disabling them, I also don't know if I'd be willing to get rid of all smart features.

'These reports are misleading': Google denies claims that Gmail is scraping your emails to train its AI

It's becoming harder and harder to know what the rules are when it comes to generative AI. With Meta, X, and even the UK government behind opt-out models, it feels like AI is in a "steal first, ask permission later" state. All of that could go some way to explaining why hundreds of thousands of people believed Google was scraping users' emails to train Google Gemini based on Google's own wording. Just last week, a viral X post managed to amass almost 150,000 likes (at the time of writing), claiming, "You have been automatically OPTED IN to allow Gmail to access all your private messages & attachments to train AI models." Talking to The Verge, Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson claims, "These reports are misleading -- we have not changed anyone's settings, Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, and we do not use your Gmail content for training our Gemini AI model." So, I hear you ask, what happened? Effectively, under the smart features options, Google clarifies that Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Meet "use your content and activity in these products to provide smart features and personalize your experience." The relative vagueness of this description, plus the use of 'smart' in the context of reading activity, threw up red flags for many, who then took this as confirmation that Google was scraping data. If you use Google services, there's a good chance you have once ticked the smart features opt-in at some point. As clarified by Google, smart features can do things such as automatically adding flights from your Gmail inbox to your calendar, or tracking upcoming orders to let you know when your next package is arriving. Part of where this confusion might stem from is that Google's AI, Gemini, can use your smart features and Gmail information, should you choose to let it. You can ask it to build itineraries around flights with your information or check the pricing of competing products (though if you're shopping Black Friday, humans will naturally beat an AI). If you don't want to allow smart features, go into all settings from any Google app, go to the general tab and scroll down to "Smart features". Simply untick the box, and you will no longer get smart features. Though it doesn't appear to be linked to Google's scraping of content, it's probably not a bad idea to get a regular reminder that you can opt out of smart features if they no longer feel that smart to you.

If You Use Gmail, You're Going To Want To Turn Off This 1 Automatic Setting ASAP

Another day, another "feature" turned on in a load-bearing app that you might want to turn off. For Gmail users, there is an automatic opt-in that allows Google to use your emailed data (think: your personal and work messages, your attachments) to train its AI models. If you don't want this information shared, you need to adjust your settings. "IMPORTANT message for everyone using Gmail. You have been automatically OPTED IN to allow Gmail to access all your private messages & attachments to train AI models," Engineer Dave Jones shared on X earlier this week. "You have to manually turn off Smart Features in the Setting menu in TWO locations." In the race for companies to get an ROI on AI, we're already seeing language learning models running out of new, human-generated data to train on. And as HuffPost has previously reported, tools like AI assistants that automatically take meeting notes were already being considered an opportunity to passively gain data from users in work settings. (Even boring corporate meetings aren't exempt!) "Google uses information to improve our services and to develop new products, features and technologies that benefit our users and the public," according to the company's privacy policy. "For example, we use publicly available information to help train Google's AI models and build products and features like Google Translate, Gemini Apps, and Cloud AI capabilities." Notably, Bloomberg reports there is already a proposed class-action lawsuit against Google. Per the complaint, users are alleging that the company "secretly" turned on Gemini to "access and exploit the entire recorded history of its users' private communications, including literally every email and attachment sent and received in their Gmail accounts." Google did not immediately answer HuffPost's question about the process of opting users in and out of these features, or the class action lawsuit. If you would like more control over how AI is used in your life (the Pew Research Center reports that 6 in 10 Americans share this concern), and would like to keep the data from your Gmail account being fed into the gaping maw of AI training, there's some good news: You can turn it off. Read on to find out how. To get this feature turned off, you need to open up your settings and manually opt out in two different locations. On desktop, you go to your settings (the little cog up in the top corner) and look in the "General" tab. There, you can do your first opt-out and unselect the "Smart features" Next, you click into the "Manage Workplace smart feature settings" (pictured above), and it will take you to a secondary pop-up that allows you to toggle on and off the features in Google Workspace and other Google products. Opting out of the former will turn off the "Ask Gemini" feature that summarizes content, as well as personalized search and events from your email being automatically added to your calendar. The latter will opt you out of features showing restaurant reservations and to-go orders in Maps, suggested tickets or loyalty cards to use in Wallet and answers, reminders and suggestions from Google Assistant and the Gemini app. If you're on mobile, you can change these settings by going to your settings page (located at the bottom of the inbox menu) and select "Data privacy." From there, you can toggle off "Smart features" and click into the "Google Workspace smart features" menu to turn off the feature for Workspace and Google products again. One annoying part of this is that some useful Gmail features we've gotten used to are eliminated by opting out. Things like "smart compose," as well as the feature that automatically filters your emails into "promotional" and "social" inboxes, and even spell-check, grammar check and autocorrect are currently tied to the Gemini opt-in. So, as you opt out of sharing your information, you might want to consider whether you're ready to lose some features in exchange. And you'll probably have to read your emails a bit more carefully. But for many concerned with their privacy, that's better than letting something else do it.

Did Gmail Really Train Google's Gemini AI? Here's the Real Truth

Google replied through its official Gmail account. The company said the posts were misleading and did not show the full truth. It clearly stated that no Gmail settings were changed for any user. Google also explained that Smart Features have been part of Gmail for many years. These tools help with simple tasks like spelling, reminders, summaries and calendar updates. They do not train the Gemini model. A Google spokesperson also clarified that Gmail content stays private. Nothing inside the inbox is used to . The spokesperson said the rumour created confusion because it claimed something that never happens. Google also added that any change in privacy terms is always announced publicly. Some concern arose from a minor glitch observed earlier in a few Workspace accounts. In those accounts, certain Smart Features were accidentally reset. This created doubts and made the rumour spread even faster. Google also explained how Gemini's Deep Research tool works. This tool can access Gmail, Drive, and Chats only when a person gives direct permission. The access helps with small tasks, such as summarizing or gathering details for a project. After the task ends, the tool stops reading the data. None of this information trains Gemini. Even after Google's reply, reactions online were mixed. Some users agreed with . Others questioned the explanation. The strong response showed how seriously people take their privacy, especially when AI is involved. Google repeated its central point. Gmail does not train Gemini. Smart Features only make the inbox easier to use. Access to personal information happens only when someone turns it on for a specific purpose. Google said it will continue to stay open and transparent about privacy choices. The situation showed how fast rumours spread and how quickly people worry about data use. It also showed that simple and clear communication from tech companies is more important than ever.

Google reassures users it does not scan personal emails for AI training

Gmail smart features are enabled by default but can be turned off, giving users clear control over privacy and personalised suggestions. Google recently clarified that it does not use the personal content of emails to train its AI models, following public concerns about Gmail privacy. The company emphasised that features such as Smart Compose, Smart Reply, and predictive text, designed to help users draft messages and suggest replies, have existed for many years and are not related to feeding email content into AI training systems. It also reiterated that it has never changed any user settings without permission and is transparent when updates to its terms and privacy policies roll out. This statement comes after a class-action lawsuit and reports from security firms questioning Gmail's smart features and data use. Also read: OnePlus 15R is set to launch in India on December 17 alongside the Pad Go 2 A class-action lawsuit earlier this month accused the company of changing Gmail settings in order to allow its AI model, Gemini, direct access to private emails without user consent. Reports stated that smart features in Gmail could automatically enable AI training. Security firm Malwarebytes also published a post claiming certain Gmail settings allow Google to scan emails and attachments for AI purposes. Google responded to those reports, saying the claims were misleading and that the settings in question had been in place for years. The company assured that email content is only scanned for some smart features, including spam detection, categorisation, and writing suggestions, which are standard and separate from training AI. Also read: Apple, Amazon and Meta oppose Jio and Vi plan to use 6GHz spectrum for mobile services Gmail provides three key smart features settings. The first, Smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet, let Gmail make smart suggestions, remind you about events, and categorise your emails. The second, Smart features in Google Workspace, enable relevant events to show up and personalised search results to appear within apps such as Gmail, Drive, and Calendar. The third, Smart features in other Google products, tailors services across all Google apps, such as Maps, Wallet, and Assistant, based on activity within Workspace. By default, all three features have been turned on, which caused some confusion, but Google was quick to say that users can control these settings at any time. Users concerned about privacy can opt out of smart features. Here's how you can do so: On Desktop: Go to Gmail > Settings > General > Smart Features, and toggle off the settings. On Smartphone: Open the Gmail app > Settings > Data Privacy > select your account > turn off Smart Features and Workspace smart features. Also read: Moto G57 Power launched with big 7000mAh battery in India: Check price, specs Doing so may impact the suggestions for Smart Compose and Smart Reply, though Gmail will continue to work normally. The complaint filed in San Jose, California, alleged that Gemini automatically reads private communications in Gmail, Chat, and Meet without user consent. It would appear that Google's clarification addresses the majority of the allegations, but there are still questions about why certain settings are enabled by default. Now, users have a decision to make between convenience and privacy, with clear options available to manage their Gmail smart features.