Google Faces Lawsuit Over Gemini AI Data Collection

Google is confronting a major legal challenge in the United States after a class-action lawsuit alleged that its Gemini AI assistant was activated across Gmail, Chat, and Meet without user consent. The complaint, filed in a federal court in San Jose, claims that the company enabled Gemini by default, allowing it to analyse private communications and stored data without adequate disclosure.

Allegations Raised in the Complaint

The lawsuit argues that Google previously offered users the choice to activate its AI tools, but an October update “secretly” switched on Gemini across key communication services. According to the filing, this change granted the AI system access to emails, attachments, chats, and video-meeting transcripts. The plaintiffs claim this amounted to unlawful tracking and exploitation of private information.

Concerns About Consent and Transparency

Central to the case is the accusation that Google failed to obtain explicit user consent before enabling Gemini. While the company allows users to disable the feature, the lawsuit asserts that the option is buried deep within privacy settings. As a result, most users may be unaware that their communication history is being processed by the AI tool unless they manually deactivate it.

Broader Implications for Data Privacy

The complaint warns that Gemini’s access covers “the entire recorded history” of user communications stored in Gmail accounts, raising wider concerns about data security, oversight, and potential misuse. The filing adds to growing scrutiny of large technology companies over the integration of automated tools into everyday services without clear opt-in mechanisms. The case could influence future regulations governing AI-enabled data processing.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The lawsuit was filed in federal court in San Jose, California.
• Gemini was allegedly activated by default across Gmail, Chat, and Meet in October.
• Users must navigate Google’s privacy dashboard to turn off Gemini.
• The suit alleges that Gemini accessed emails, attachments, and chat histories without consent.

Industry and User Reactions

The legal action adds to ongoing debates around transparency in AI deployment. Industry observers note that enterprises increasingly rely on automated analysis tools, but must adhere to clearer user-protection standards. The outcome of the case could shape how technology companies design consent frameworks as AI becomes more deeply embedded in communication platforms.