Google is addressing viral reports claiming that Gmail messages and attachments are being used to train AI models, and that disabling “smart features” is required to opt out. A Google spokesperson, Jenny Thomson, told The Verge that these reports are misleading and that Gmail Smart Features have existed for years without being used to train the Gemini AI model.
Smart Features include spell checking, order tracking, and adding flights to calendars. Users can control these features independently for Google Workspace and other Google services, according to a January update. While Workspace settings allow personalization across the platform, Google confirmed this does not involve sharing email content for AI training.
Some users have noted their Smart Features settings were unexpectedly re-enabled, prompting suggestions to double-check account settings. Google emphasizes that enabling these features improves user experience without contributing Gmail data to AI development.
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