Google has officially denied using Gmail user data to train its Gemini AI model, calling recent reports “misleading.” The clarification comes after privacy concerns emerged about smart features being enabled by default in Gmail, Chat, and Meet.
Key Takeaways
- Google denies using Gmail content for Gemini AI training
- Smart features (spell check, predictive text) are different from AI training
- Users can disable these features on both desktop and mobile
Responding to security concerns raised by Malwarebytes, Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson stated: “We do not use your Gmail content to train our Gemini AI model.” The company emphasized that its policies regarding user data haven’t changed.
Understanding Smart Features vs AI Training
Google explains that smart features include tools Gmail users have utilized for years, such as:
- Spell checking and predictive text
- Automatic package tracking
- Calendar integration
When enabled, these features personalize your experience across Google Workspace but are separate from Gemini’s training data according to the company.
How to Disable Smart Features
If you prefer to turn off these features for privacy reasons, here are the step-by-step instructions:
On Desktop
- Open Gmail and click the gear icon (Settings)
- Select “See all settings”
- Navigate to the General tab and find “Smart features and personalisation”
- Uncheck “Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet”
- For additional controls, scroll to “Google Workspace smart features” and click “Manage Workspace smart feature settings”
- Disable both “Smart features in Google Workspace” and “Smart features in other Google products”
- Click Save Changes
On Mobile App
- Open the Gmail app and tap the Menu icon (three lines)
- Tap Settings
- Select your account
- Scroll to General section and locate Smart features
- Uncheck “Smart features” to disable them
The company maintains that smart features scanning emails for quick replies or important messages is fundamentally different from using email content to train AI models that generate responses for other users.
