Overview
- Google says it has not changed user settings and does not use Gmail content to train its Gemini AI model, calling recent reports misleading.
- Security firm Malwarebytes updated its initial post, acknowledging that revised wording and placement of Gmail smart‑feature settings led to a misunderstanding.
- A proposed class‑action filed Nov. 11 in federal court in San Jose alleges Google secretly enabled Gemini access to Gmail, Chat and Meet on or about Oct. 10.
- ZDNET’s checks found multiple Gmail and Workspace smart‑feature toggles enabled by default in several accounts, with scanning used to power features distinct from model training.
- Users can disable smart features in Gmail and related Workspace settings to limit data use, and regional rules keep users in the EU, UK, Switzerland and Japan opted out by default.