A flurry of viral posts claimed Gmail messages feed Google’s Gemini AI. The company issued an emphatic denial. Google called the reports misleading and said no changes occurred to user settings.
The post spread quickly and led many people to believe their inboxes were being used without their knowledge. Google stepped in and strongly denied the rumour.
The claim started when an influencer posted screenshots and said Gmail “automatically” allows access to private emails for AI training. The post also warned that Smart Features are turned on by default. A report shared by Malwarebytes repeated similar points. This made the rumour look even more real and pushed it across social platforms.
Google replied through its official Gmail account. The company said the posts were misleading and did not show the full truth. It clearly stated that no Gmail settings were changed for any user. Google also explained that Smart Features have been part of Gmail for many years. These tools help with simple tasks like spelling, reminders, summaries and calendar updates. They do not train the Gemini model.
A Google spokesperson also clarified that Gmail content stays private. Nothing inside the inbox is used to train Gemini. The spokesperson said the rumour created confusion because it claimed something that never happens. Google also added that any change in privacy terms is always announced publicly.
Some concern arose from a minor glitch observed earlier in a few Workspace accounts. In those accounts, certain Smart Features were accidentally reset. This created doubts and made the rumour spread even faster.
Google also explained how Gemini’s Deep Research tool works. This tool can access Gmail, Drive, and Chats only when a person gives direct permission. The access helps with small tasks, such as summarizing or gathering details for a project. After the task ends, the tool stops reading the data. None of this information trains Gemini.
Even after Google’s reply, reactions online were mixed. Some users agreed with Google. Others questioned the explanation. The strong response showed how seriously people take their privacy, especially when AI is involved.
Google repeated its central point. Gmail does not train Gemini. Smart Features only make the inbox easier to use. Access to personal information happens only when someone turns it on for a specific purpose. Google said it will continue to stay open and transparent about privacy choices.
The situation showed how fast rumours spread and how quickly people worry about data use. It also showed that simple and clear communication from tech companies is more important than ever.
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