Google is responding to viral social media posts and reports, including one from Malwarebytes, that claim the company has changed its policies to use Gmail messages and attachments to train its AI models.
These posts also suggest that the only way to opt out is by turning off smart features like spell checking. Google says this is not true.
Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson told The Verge that the rumors are misleading. She said Google has not changed any user settings and that Gmail’s smart features have been around for many years. She also made it clear that Google does not use Gmail content to train its Gemini AI model.
Even so, it may still be worth checking your settings. One Verge staff member said they had previously opted out of some smart features but later found they were turned back on. Earlier this year, Google updated how personalization works, allowing users to disable smart features separately for Google Workspace and other Google products, such as Maps and Wallet.
Gmail’s smart features do more than just spell-checking. They help track orders, organize travel details, and make it easier to add flights to your calendar. When these features are enabled in Workspace, Google explains that it uses your Workspace content and activity to personalize your experience across its apps. However, the company insists this does not involve using the content of your emails to train AI models.
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