Google says it isnt using your Gmail to train AI
In recent days, a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) by user Dave Jones has sparked widespread concern over Google allegedly using Gmail accounts to train its AI models. The post claims that users have been “automatically OPTED IN” to allow Gmail access to their private messages and attachments for this purpose. This alarming assertion has led many to question their privacy and the security of their personal data, prompting numerous media outlets to provide guides on how to disable Gmail’s Smart Features to prevent potential data misuse.
However, Google has firmly refuted these claims, stating that they are misleading. A spokesperson clarified that the settings for Gmail have not changed and that the Smart Features, which integrate the AI model Gemini into Google Workspace, have been around for years. Google emphasizes that it does not use Gmail content to train its Gemini AI model, even if users choose to keep these Smart Features enabled. The company has reiterated its commitment to user privacy, asserting that data stays within the Workspace environment and is not utilized for AI training without explicit permission. Google’s policy page clearly states that permissions granted for Smart Features are intended solely for enhancing user experience, not for broader AI training.
The confusion appears to stem from a misunderstanding of how users interact with the Smart Features. Some users may mistakenly believe that enabling these features equates to giving Google permission to use their emails for AI training. However, Google has consistently maintained that this is not the case, and users can rest assured that their data remains private unless they choose to share it otherwise. While it is entirely reasonable for users to scrutinize the AI policies of tech companies—especially given past incidents of unauthorized data usage—the specific claims regarding Google’s use of Gmail for AI training appear to be unfounded. Users concerned about their privacy are encouraged to review their settings and opt out of features they are uncomfortable with, but the fear surrounding this particular issue seems to be based on misinformation rather than fact.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKpI7hQBExQ
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.”
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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.
