Google denies using your emails to train its AI models
What's the story
Google has refuted viral social media posts and reports alleging that the tech giant is using Gmail data to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company clarified that it does not use the content of users' emails for training its Gemini AI model. The clarification came after some reports suggested that users had been automatically opted in for this purpose, unless they manually disabled "smart features."
Policy
Gmail Smart Features have been around for years
Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson told The Verge that the reports are misleading and that no settings have been changed. She emphasized that Gmail Smart Features have been around for years and reiterated that user content is not used for training its Gemini AI model.
Feature clarification
Google's clarification on user consent
Google also clarified that opting into Gmail's smart features doesn't mean giving permission to use email content for AI training. The company said these features, which include order tracking and adding flights from Gmail to calendars, are meant to personalize user experience across Workspace. However, this does not involve using the actual content of emails for training its AI models.