Class Action Alleges That Google Gemini Was Reading User Emails Without Consent (openclassactions.com)

A class action lawsuit, Thele v. Google LLC, has been filed against Google, alleging that its Gemini AI assistant accessed users' private emails and communications in Gmail, Google Chat, and Google Meet without consent. The plaintiffs claim that Google switched the default settings of Gemini’s "smart features" from opt-in to on by default around October 10, 2025, allowing the AI to analyze sensitive content without users' awareness. Google disputes these allegations, maintaining that its features have always been optional and user-controlled. This case is significant for the AI/ML community as it explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and privacy laws, particularly whether existing wiretapping statutes apply to AI-driven tools integrated into mainstream applications. The lawsuit raises concerns over user consent and data privacy, with accusations that Google's actions resemble secret eavesdropping. If the lawsuit proceeds, it could have far-reaching implications for AI implementation in consumer applications, and its outcome may set a precedent for how tech companies manage user data and consent moving forward.