Viral posts claim that you must opt out of Gmail’s “smart features” to prevent Google from using your emails to train AI, but Google insists it does not use email content for AI training.
Some social media posts and articles, including one by Malwarebytes, suggest that Google changed its policy to use Gmail messages and attachments for AI model training and that the only way to opt out is by disabling features like spell check. Google spokesperson Jenny Thomson told The Verge that these reports are misleading. She explained that Gmail Smart Features have existed for many years, Google has not changed anyone’s settings, and it does not use Gmail content to train its Gemini AI model.
Still, it can be a good idea to review your settings. A source reported that they had opted out of some Smart Features but found themselves opted back in. In January, Google updated smart feature personalization settings, allowing users to turn off features for Google Workspace separately from other Google products like Maps and Wallet.
Gmail’s Smart Features do more than correct spelling. They also track orders and let users easily add flights from Gmail to their calendar. When you enable the feature in Workspace, the settings page notes that you agree to let Google Workspace use your content and activity to personalize your experience. Google clarifies, however, that this personalization does not include using the content of your emails to train AI models.
