Discussion
If you have a Gmail account, you need to read this.
Google's AI now scans your emails and attachments, bank statements, tax files, medical letters, all of it. It turned on by default, and there's a class-action lawsuit over how.
Here are 5 moves to shut it off, the switch is hidden in two places:
Don't worry about it
@Tutanota If they’d do that with paper information (opening your envelopes and reading all that’s inside) that would probably be a crime. Why do governments allow that in the digital realm? This shouldn’t be allowed at all! It’s amazing how there are two sets of rules depending if it’s physical or digital.
@Tutanota do you mean there was a point when they DIDN'T scan emails? It sounds like they simply upgraded their tools. Well, "upgraded"
@Tutanota Though I have to say anyone who still uses a Gmail account in 2026 really has no grounds to feign surprise or outrage.
@Tutanota they might use AI to stitch together results, but it’s been doing it for a decade , as I suspect you know .
@Tutanota Google also commandeers 4GB of your computer's hard drive without your consent to install a local component of Gemini. When you uninstall it, it REINSTALLS with a Chrome update.
Just stop using Chrome. Use LibreWolf or something.
@Tutanota Was there supposed to be a link to instructions on those five moves?
@Tutanota Yeah, I'm disconnecting from Google as much as I can. Spent a chunk of last night disconnecting Google from other web accounts and apps.
Renaming Lake Ontario to appease Trump on Google Maps was the immediate impetus, so this spurs me on further.
Anyone know a good substitute for online spreadsheets? I can move text documents to Ellipsus and local storage.
@Tutanota Was this not the business model of GMail from day one?
@Tutanota My psychologist uses gmail this is awesome to know! I love big corporations and their excessive greed <3 !
@Tutanota could you source your information ?
@Tutanota Who the heck sends bank statements by email?!! 🤦
1. The Main Switch
This is the main setting Google shows you, but it's not the only one.
Gmail (Desktop):
⚙️ Settings → See all settings → Smart features and personalization → Uncheck "Turn on smart features in Gmail, Chat, and Meet" → Save Changes.
@Tutanota
First, inventory all accounts where you use your Gmail, then change your Gmail address on these accounts to a privacy-focused email, such as Tuta or Proton mail. Use different aliases, for example for online purchases, banking matters, etc. Keep monitoring your Gmail in the meantime. Are you receiving all your mail on Tuta or Proton? Delete your Gmail account.
@Tutanota Am I safe if I don't use Gmail sites and apps and only view Gmail in Thunderbird? I've adb shell pm uninstalled Gmail in phone and I didn't find that setting in website (maybe haven't roll out in my country).
@Tutanota Many thanks for this. Google, not surprisingly, didn't tell me about these changes.
2. The Hidden Switch
Turning off the first setting isn't enough. Most people stop there.
On the same settings page: Google Workspace smart features → Manage Workspace smart feature settings → Turn off both checkboxes → Save.
Both settings need to be turned off.
3. Your Phone
The settings don't always sync between devices, so check the Gmail app separately.
Gmail app → Menu (☰) → Settings → Select your account → Turn off "Smart features and personalization" → Confirm.
Is this setting different in Germany? I can't find thus setting in the App at all.
4. Delete Gemini History
If you've used Gemini before, your chats may be saved, and some could be reviewed by humans.
Go to http://myactivity.google.com/product/gemini
→ Turn off Gemini Apps Activity → Delete Activity → All Time.
This removes your past Gemini chat history and stops future conversations from being saved.
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