Google says it isnt using your Gmail to train AI
In recent days, a viral post on social media has sparked widespread concern among Gmail users, claiming that Google is automatically opting them in to allow access to their private emails for training its AI models. The post, which began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), suggested that users’ emails and attachments could be utilized by Google without explicit consent. However, Google has swiftly refuted these claims, clarifying that the company does not use Gmail content to train its AI, including the recently launched Gemini model, even if users enable Smart Features.
Google spokespersons have emphasized that these reports are misleading and that the Smart Features in Gmail, which have been in place for several years, do not equate to permission for Google to use user data for AI training. They reiterated that user privacy is a priority, stating, “Your data stays in Workspace,” and confirming that Gmail content is not employed to enhance AI models without user consent. This clarification is particularly important given the growing scrutiny and skepticism surrounding the AI practices of many tech companies, as users become increasingly aware of how their data might be utilized.
While it is entirely reasonable for users to be cautious and question the data policies of tech giants, the specific claims regarding Gmail and AI training appear to be unfounded. Google has assured users that the permissions granted when enabling Smart Features are solely for personal use cases and do not extend to training AI models. For those who prefer to err on the side of caution, Google has provided guidance on how to disable these features. Ultimately, the situation underscores the necessity for transparency and clarity in data practices, especially as AI continues to evolve and integrate into everyday applications.
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.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.
