Google says it isnt using your Gmail to train AI
In recent days, a viral post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has sparked widespread concern about Google allegedly accessing users’ Gmail accounts to train its AI models. The post, attributed to user Dave Jones, claims that Gmail users have been automatically “OPTED IN” to allow Google to utilize their private emails and attachments for AI training purposes. This alarming message has led many to question their privacy and prompted various media outlets to provide guides on how to disable Gmail’s Smart Features, which are said to be the gateway for this data access.
However, Google has firmly refuted these claims, stating that they do not use Gmail content to train their Gemini AI model, regardless of whether users have Smart Features enabled. A Google spokesperson clarified that the Smart Features, which have been in place for years, do not change user settings or permissions regarding data usage for AI training. They emphasized that any data accessed through Smart Features is intended solely for enhancing user experience and is not utilized for training AI models without explicit permission. Google has consistently maintained a transparent stance on its data policies, assuring users that their information remains secure within the Workspace environment.
Despite the reassurance from Google, the incident highlights a growing concern among users regarding data privacy and the practices of tech companies in the age of AI. Many individuals are rightfully cautious about how their data is used, especially given the history of companies misusing content without consent. While users are encouraged to take control of their privacy by disabling AI features if they feel uncomfortable, the specific assertion that Google is using Gmail data for AI training without user consent appears to be unfounded. This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly and create unnecessary panic.
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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.Â
“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.Â
“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 hasÂ
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 haveÂ
already trained
 their AI models on data and content for which theyÂ
did notÂ
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.
