Saving personal information in email? It's possible that Google's AI knows it
Your email inbox likely contains much more sensitive information than you realize. Bank account statements, tax documents, medical letters, and personal correspondence are stored in Google's Gmail service as a matter of course. However, many users are unaware that the company's artificial intelligence tools are constantly processing and scanning this content through hidden settings that are active by default.
Your email inbox likely contains much more sensitive information than you realize. Bank account statements, tax documents, medical letters, and personal correspondence are stored in Google's Gmail service as a matter of course. However, many users are unaware that the company's artificial intelligence tools are constantly processing and scanning this content through hidden settings that are active by default.
Hidden settings worth checking
To block AI access to private content, several simple steps must be taken. Through the desktop version of Gmail, enter the settings menu, select "See all settings," and locate the "Smart features and personalization" section. Uncheck the option that authorizes the use of smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet, and save the changes.
Additionally, on the same settings page, there is an expanded Google Workspace menu. Enter the management of these settings and turn off both checkboxes found there. The action does not end on the computer: in the Gmail mobile app, you must enter the menu, select the settings for the specific account, and disable access to smart features there as well. Finally, it is recommended to enter Google's MyActivity mechanism and completely delete your Gemini activity history.
Comprehensive protection and account separation
Beyond neutralizing internal settings, security experts recommend adopting a strategy of account separation. For highly sensitive information, such as legal, financial, or medical correspondence, it is recommended to use an email service based on strict encryption and focused on privacy, such as Proton Mail.
One can continue to use the primary Gmail account for newsletters, online purchases, and daily communication, while truly sensitive conversations are managed in a separate, secure inbox. A quick check of the settings and proper management of your digital identity will ensure that your personal information remains private, without becoming raw material for the algorithms of tech giants.
