Gmail privacy settings | Cyber security experts have advised Gmail users to review and disable certain privacy related settings to protect personal and work emails from unnecessary data processing.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the use of Artificial Intelligence based features in email services and other digital platforms.
Experts said some smart feature settings may allow user data, including emails, attachments and private messages, to support AI powered functions and personalised services.
Concerns have also surfaced regarding the possible use of user content in training AI systems such as Gemini.
However, Google has denied claims that Gmail content is being used to train Gemini AI models.
The company clarified that user emails are not directly utilised for AI model training purposes.
Gmail privacy settings | How users can disable Smart Features
Despite Google’s clarification, cyber experts advised users concerned about privacy to opt out of smart feature settings as a precautionary measure.
On desktop devices, users can open Gmail settings through the gear icon and select “See all settings”.
Under the General tab, users should uncheck the “Smart features” option.
After that, users can click on “Manage Workspace smart feature settings” and disable both “Smart features in Google Workspace” and “Smart features in other Google products”.
Meanwhile, mobile app users can go to Settings, open Data Privacy and switch off the “Smart features” option.
Experts also advised users with multiple Google accounts to disable the settings separately for each account.
Some Gmail features may stop working
Cyber experts pointed out that turning off Smart Features may disable several convenience tools in Gmail.
These include Smart Compose, Smart Reply, spelling correction, grammar suggestions, auto correct and automatic email categorisation such as Promotions and Social tabs.
Experts said users should decide whether privacy or convenience is more important based on their personal preferences and digital security concerns.
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