Google adds opt-out for Gmail's 'smart features' to reassure regulators

Users can disable features such as Smart Reply that use personal data to improve experience

Gmail users will finally be able to easily opt out of smart" features that use their personal data to improve the experience, the company has announced, as it seeks to reassure regulators around the world that it offers genuine user choice around how it processes data.

Once it launches, a single setting on Gmail will ask users to decide whether to turn off smart features" for their email accounts, disabling the personalisation that powers features including Smart Compose and Smart Reply. A second setting will also enable users to opt out of sharing their Gmail data with other Google services such as Maps and Assistant.