Google faces privacy criticism over Gemini defaults and training data
google's integration of gemini into workspace faces criticism regarding data privacy. the company states it does not train on raw workspace inputs like emails, but trains on model outputs which may contain data snippets. users report difficulty opting out due to ui dark patterns, specifically regarding the gemini apps activity setting.
Google is under scrutiny for privacy practices following the integration of Gemini into Workspace products like Gmail and Drive. A Google spokesperson clarified that while raw user inputs are not used to train foundational models, the system retains and trains on 'Gemini outputs'—summaries and snippets that may contain private user data.
The opt-out process relies on disabling 'Gemini Apps Activity,' a setting described as obscure and difficult to navigate. Critics argue this design employs dark patterns to discourage data privacy preservation, forcing users to choose between utility and control over their information.