Google, after facing accusations that its AI model ingests private files, says Gemini can read and digest this kind of sensitive data in real time — but only with Workspace users' express permission.
What is Google Gemini and how to use it
A Google communications officer has assured the Registry that "neither the abstract nor the document itself is stored" by Gemini for future training or processing.
This backlash began when Kevin Bankston, a senior adviser on AI governance at the Center for Democracy & Technology, said he opened his tax return in Google Docs and Gemini, without his permission, immediately digested it.
"So…Gemini automatically pulls in even the private documents I open in Google Docs? WTF, guys. I didn't ask for this," Bankston said. "Now I have to go find new settings I was never told to turn this crap off."
