Google has denied allegations that it uses users’ Gmail messages to train its Gemini AI model, calling the reports misleading. The company emphasizes that it has not changed any user settings and that Smart Features like spell checking have been available for years.
A report by Malwarebytes had claimed such data was being used, but Google asserts this is inaccurate. The company’s spokesperson, Jenny Thomson, told The Verge 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.”
The disagreement highlights the ongoing debate around data privacy and AI training practices in the tech industry. Many users have expressed concerns about how their personal data is being used, especially with the increasing reliance on AI technologies. Google’s clarification comes amid growing scrutiny of tech giants over data collection and privacy practices. The company continues to stress that it adheres to strict privacy standards and that its AI initiatives are designed with user consent and data protection in mind.