Google has denied allegations that it uses user Gmail data to train its AI models, calling reports as misleading. The company claims it has not altered any user settings and that Smart Features in Gmail have been available for years without utilizing email content for AI training.
The anonymous reader’s report claims that Google has changed its policy to use Gmail messages and attachments for AI training, requiring users to disable smart features to opt out. However, Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson told The Verge that the reports are misleading and that the company has not changed any user settings. She emphasized that Smart Features have existed for many years and are not related to data used for AI training.
Google’s clarification comes amid growing concerns about data privacy and the ethical use of user information in AI development. The controversy highlights the importance of transparency in how companies handle user data. As the debate continues, users are advised to review their privacy settings and stay informed about how their data is being used.
Meanwhile, the anonymous report from the reader has sparked discussions on social media platforms. The report has been widely shared, raising questions about the extent of data usage by tech giants. Google’s response aims to reassure users that their data is not being used for AI training without their consent. The company has reiterated that its AI models are trained on anonymized data and that user data is not used for this purpose.