Over the past few days, social media has been abuzz with claims that Google is secretly using Gmail messages to train its Gemini AI model. People began checking settings, sharing screenshots, and warning everyone to ‘turn off smart features before it’s too late.’ But did Google really turn your inbox into AI training data? Here’s the full story that you should know about. How the controversy started It began with a dramatic post from a YouTube creator claiming that Gmail had “automatically OPTED IN” users to allow Google access to private emails for AI training.
The post said: You have been automatically OPTED IN to allow Gmail to access all your private messages attachments to train AI models… Retweet so everyone is aware. Screenshots showing Gmail settings went viral immediately. Adding fuel to the fire, a report from Malwarebytes also suggested that Gmail data might be used to train AI. Some users even said they found certain settings turned on without their knowledge. Naturally, this raised eyebrows everywhere.
Also read: How to free up Gmail space without deleting important emails Google breaks its silence As rumours grew louder, Google stepped in with a blunt clarification. In a post from its official Gmail account on X, Google said: We have not changed anyone’s settings. Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years.
And most importantly: We do not use your Gmail content to train our Gemini AI model. Jenny Thomson, a Google spokesperson, repeated the same message to The Verge, calling the online claims “misleading.” Google’s stand is clear: Your inbox helps Gmail work better for you, not for training Google’s next AI system. What are these ‘Smart Features’ everyone’s talking about A lot of the confusion comes from an update Google introduced earlier this year. Smart Features include tools like: When these features are ON, Gmail reads parts of your emails only to personalise your own experience. Google says this data does not go into training Gemini or any other AI model. Also read: From Bengali to Marathi, AI mode now supports 7 new regional languages; here are 5 ways to get real-time help
However, The Verge noted that some users found these features switched back on automatically after an update, a glitch that unintentionally sparked suspicion. Social media reacts Despite Google’s denial, reactions online were mixed. Some users defended the company: Gmail, it’s just people hating on you guys! Others didn’t buy it: Only saying this so they don’t get sued in the EU. This split reaction shows one thing: when it comes to privacy, people want transparency, and fast. Meanwhile, Gemini 3 steals the spotlight Ironically, all this drama comes just as Google unveiled Gemini 3, its most powerful AI system so far. CEO Sundar Pichai described it as: State-of-the-art in reasoning… built to grasp depth and nuance. Gemini 3 can read long documents, understand videos, process handwritten notes, and even summarise complex lectures. Naturally, this big leap in AI made users extra cautious about what data Google is using. So… Is Google using your Gmail to train Gemini? Google says it’s not happening, and no policy has been secretly changed. But this episode shows something bigger, users today want more control and clarity over their data. And when AI is involved, even a tiny rumour can turn into a wildfire.
If you want peace of mind, you can still check your ‘Smart Features’ settings. But you’re not secretly teaching Gemini anything by sending emails.
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