Google is responding to widespread claims suggesting it now uses Gmail messages and attachments to train AI models. Viral social media posts and articles, including one from Malwarebytes, state that users must disable Gmail’s “smart features” to opt out of this supposed data usage.
However, Google clarified 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.”
In January, Google updated its smart feature personalization settings, allowing users to independently disable these features for Google Workspace or other products like Maps and Wallet.
Gmail’s Smart Features include tools such as spell checking, order tracking, and automatic calendar updates for flights. When enabled in Workspace, the settings page notes that Google Workspace can use content and activity to personalize the user experience. Google emphasizes that this personalization does not mean sharing email content for AI training.
The update highlights the importance of reviewing account settings regularly. Users can control which features to enable while ensuring their data remains private, even as Google continues to enhance AI-powered tools.