Gmail users are being urged to review and disable two key “Smart Features” settings following privacy concerns stemming from reports that these tools may allow Google to access email content to support AI‑driven services and may use users’ data for training. The two features are included in Gmail, Chat and Meet, and Google Workspace Smart Features.
A viral alert by YouTuber Davey Jones claims that users have been automatically opted in to permit Gmail and Chat and Meet to use message content and attachments, prompting calls to turn off Smart Features in both the primary Gmail settings and the separate Google Workspace smart‑feature controls so the content can’t be used for AI training.
Users have noted that disabling these settings makes Gmail harder to use. Google disputes the alert and says user content is not being used to train Gemini, and that no settings have been changed or auto-enabled. Despite the response, there is confusion about how large platforms are using content to train AI models. This confusion highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and data use. Users who opt out of the features may lose conveniences such as inbox categories, smart compose, grammar tools, and enhanced filtering, but doing so protects your privacy while the debate over default AI‑related settings continues. You may wish to consider following the steps provided to assist with turning off the features by going to Settings in your Google application.
[View source.]