Overview
- A Google spokesperson told The Verge the reports are misleading, saying the company has not changed users’ settings and does not use Gmail content to train its Gemini AI model.
- Multiple outlets and users reported finding Gmail and Workspace “smart features” enabled by default and described needing to disable two separate settings to fully opt out.
- The Verge noted at least one staffer saw smart features re-enabled after previously opting out, adding to confusion over how the controls behave.
- Google says these conveniences require access to email, calendar, and other Workspace content to function, and it sets the default off in the EEA, the UK, Switzerland, and Japan but on elsewhere.
- A proposed class-action filed November 11 in federal court in San Jose alleges Google granted Gemini access to private communications without consent, keeping legal scrutiny active.