
Google confirms a major upgrade to Gmail that will affect its 3 billion users. The new AI-powered search feature, called “most relevant” search, is designed to deliver faster and more accurate results by analysing your interaction with emails and contacts. While this promises a more efficient email experience, it also raises questions about privacy and data control.
Google says the feature will be available on the web and in the official Gmail apps for Android and iOS. Users can easily switch between the legacy “recent” view and the new AI-driven “relevant” view. Although this upgrade aims to simplify finding important emails, it also means that AI will analyse your personal data, including your Chrome search history and email interactions.
Privacy remains a key concern. Google has assured users that privacy is a top priority and that the tool can be managed via personalization settings. However, experts advise that users carefully review their settings and consider turning off AI training features if they prefer more control over their data. This cautious approach comes amid wider debates over the balance between enhanced functionality and privacy, especially as similar tools from Microsoft and other tech giants continue to evolve.
In a rapidly changing AI landscape, users must now decide where they draw the line between convenience and privacy. This new Gmail feature is part of a broader trend of integrating AI into everyday services, an approach that is redefining how companies like Google and Microsoft use data to improve user experiences.