Google has quietly begun automatically enrolling Gmail users into a feature that allows the company to read their emails and attachments to train generative AI models. The move has sparked privacy concerns, as most users are unaware their correspondence is being used for AI training purposes unless they actively opt out.
The Issue: Auto-Opt-In Without Consent
Gmail is now reading your emails and attachments to train its AI models, with the feature enabled by default for new and existing users. Google’s approach represents a significant shift in how personal data is handled, as users must take deliberate action to prevent their communications from being used for AI training rather than being asked for permission upfront.
The company describes this as providing “smart features” that include email summaries, suggested replies, and other AI-powered tools. However, the automatic enrollment has raised questions about transparency and user autonomy, particularly given that many users remain unaware the setting exists.
The Complex Opt-Out Process
Disabling this feature is not straightforward. Users must navigate multiple settings across different locations within Gmail and Google Workspace to achieve complete protection.
To fully opt out, you need to disable three distinct settings:
- Smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet — This allows Google to use your content to provide intelligent features across these services
- Smart features in Google Workspace — This grants Gemini access to summarize your content
- Smart features in other Google products — This prevents your data from being used across Google’s broader ecosystem for suggestions and recommendations
The multi-location requirement means many users will likely miss one or more settings, leaving portions of their data vulnerable to AI training use. Some observers have noted that this design appears deliberately complex, potentially discouraging users from completing the full opt-out process.
How to Disable Gmail AI Training
To protect your privacy:
- In Gmail settings, locate “Smart Features” and uncheck the box, then press save
- Find “Google Workspace smart features” and click “Manage Workspace smart features settings”
- Unselect all available options in this menu
- Additionally, navigate to your Google Account settings under “Data & privacy” and review AI feature controls
Privacy Implications
This development highlights ongoing tensions between tech companies and user privacy advocates. While Google frames these features as beneficial enhancements that improve the user experience, critics argue that automatic data enrollment without explicit prior consent violates principles of informed consent and user autonomy.
The situation underscores a broader pattern where companies default to data collection and processing, placing the burden on users to actively prevent their information from being used in ways they may not have anticipated or agreed to.