Google is facing renewed questions over how it handles user data after a recent lawsuit and a wave of public confusion about Gmail's "smart features" and their connection to AI training.
While Google denies any hidden changes or AI-training practices involving Gmail content, a key concern remains: several data-processing features appear to be switched on by default.
Why it matters
The privacy debate centers on whether Google automatically enabled settings that let Gmail, Chat, Meet, and other Workspace tools use user content to power smart features - and whether this exposure could expand how Google's AI systems operate. None of the cited settings are new, but their visibility and descriptions were recently rewritten, leading many users to believe their data might be used for AI training without consent, says ZDNet.
A class-action lawsuit filed in November alleges Google "secretly changed certain Gmail settings" to allow the analysis of private emails and other data to train its AI models. The complaint claims that around Oct. 10, 2025, Google "secretly turned on Gemini access for all Gmail, Chat, and Meet accounts," enabling tracking of private communications by default.
Google denies the allegation, calling the reports misleading and stating it has "not changed anyone's settings" and does not use Gmail content to train Gemini.
Security firm Malwarebytes - whose post helped spark the controversy - revised its analysis, calling the situation a "perfect storm of misunderstanding." The firm said the settings were not newly enabled but were surfaced more prominently, prompting confusion. Malwarebytes concluded that automatic opt-ins "do not appear to be the case."
The underlying concern
Even with those clarifications, three "smart features" settings remain automatically enabled for both new and existing accounts:
The biggest remaining question: why these features are on by default and not clearly presented as an opt-in choice.
How to Opt Out of Google's Smart Features
If you want more control over what Gmail and Workspace tools can analyze, you can disable any of the three settings. Gmail still works normally afterward, though certain conveniences - like Smart Compose - may stop functioning.
Opt Out on Desktop (Gmail Website)
Opt Out on Mobile (Gmail App)