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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bhaskar Sharma

Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile