Google Accused of Privacy Violations Through Unauthorised Gemini AI Data Collection

A new lawsuit filed in California has accused Google of using its Gemini AI technology to track private user data without consent. According to court documents, the artificial intelligence system was allegedly activated across Gmail, Chat, and Meet without user approval. 

The filing, lodged in a San Jose federal court, claims the activation enabled Gemini AI to access personal communications and attachments in violation of state privacy laws.

Claims of Privacy Breach Under California Law

The complaint states that the company “secretly” initiated Gemini AI in October, bypassing the need for users to manually opt in. Although users can disable Gemini, the lawsuit argues that the process involves navigating multiple privacy settings, which may discourage users from taking action. 

It further alleges that unless explicitly turned off, Gemini AI continues to analyse users’ entire communication histories. This, the complaint suggests, breaches the California Invasion of Privacy Act of 1967, which restricts unauthorised recording and monitoring of private conversations.

Growing Scrutiny Around AI Data Practices

This case adds to a series of ongoing debates about data privacy and artificial intelligence integration in digital tools. As AI systems become more deeply embedded in communication and productivity platforms, concerns have risen regarding the extent to which such systems can access and use personal data. 

The lawsuit highlights public unease over whether AI models like Gemini are collecting information beyond user awareness or consent.

In recent months, regulators in the United States and the European Union have been reviewing how technology firms manage personal information processed through AI models. Critics have raised concerns that large language models may train on or draw insights from private user content without sufficient transparency or safeguards.

Read More:Google And Anthropic Strike Cloud Deal Valued In The Tens Of Billions.

Broader Implications for AI Regulation

The outcome of this case may influence how companies structure data usage policies for AI-enabled tools. A ruling that enforces stricter consent requirements could prompt revisions in how digital assistants, including Google and Gemini AI, operate within user-facing applications. It also underscores the growing demand for clear privacy frameworks that balance innovation with consumer rights.

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