The new markets are Australia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Vietnam, with the rollout covering desktop and iOS in all listed countries except Japan, where it is currently limited to desktop users.

Gemini in Chrome first launched in the United States in January, after which Google extended access to India, Canada and New Zealand in March. With this latest expansion, more users can now use the feature directly inside the Chrome browser.

Google has been adding more Gemini tools to Chrome since last year. The assistant appears in a floating window and can help users with tasks while they browse.

Earlier this year, Google also introduced a sidebar version that can answer questions across multiple tabs. It can summarise long pages, compare information from open tabs and respond without users leaving the browser.

The feature also works with several Google services. Users can schedule meetings through Calendar, check places with Maps, and draft or send emails through Gmail.

Google’s Personal Intelligence feature is also available through Gemini in Chrome. It allows users to connect services such as Gmail and Google Photos to receive more personalised responses.

Users can also ask questions about YouTube videos while staying on the same page.

Another tool, Nano Banana 2, lets users edit or transform images on the web using text prompts in the Chrome sidebar.

Some advanced functions are still limited to the United States. Google said its agentic feature, which can control a browser window and complete tasks for users, is still being tested.

That feature is only available to subscribers on the AI Pro and AI Ultra paid plans in the U.S. for now.

Researchers at Malwarebytes Labs uncovered the new scam that is disguised as a routine security checkup.

While the security alert may initially appear legitimate, the scam guides victims through a false four-step process that quickly collects sensitive data.

This can later be used by cybercriminals to break into Gmail accounts and other linked Google services.

Victims of the scam will be prompted to install what may initially appear as a security tool, but this can quickly give cybercriminals access to sensitive information like detailed real-time GPS location and contact data.

Corey Donovan, the president of Alta Technologies has issued an important warning on how Gmail users can protect themselves against this new scam:

“The scam is being distributed via phishing emails, text messages, and malicious pop-ups, which falsely warn victims that their Google account requires immediate security verification.

“By mimicking legitimate ‘security check’ prompts, attackers are able to create a false sense of urgency, which significantly increases the likelihood of users handing over their login details.

“It’s important to note that Google does not conduct security checks through unsolicited pop-up pages, which is why Gmail users should be wary if they’re unexpectedly prompted to download any software.

“If you receive any of these unexpected alerts, then immediately close the page and do not follow the prompt to download any additional security software.

“What’s particularly concerning about this new scam is that victims will be taken to a page that closely replicates Google’s genuine security check, which is why it’s so important for Gmail users to be aware of this rising scam.

“We’re seeing a clear trend of security alert scams becoming more and more advanced. By replicating Google’s official security site, scammers are bypassing obvious red flags to quickly trigger action from victims.

“Once cybercriminals gain access to Google accounts, they can easily reset passwords, intercept two-factor authentication codes, access sensitive data, and take over any linked accounts. This is why this scam is so concerning.

“Remember that any legitimate security concerns will always be sent via your official Gmail account. Google will never ask you to confirm sensitive information or login details via an unsolicited email or link.

“This is why instead of immediately clicking on any emails or pop-ups, you should always check your data by navigating to your official Google account on your browser.

“Taking a few extra seconds to be cautious can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your data against this concerning new scam.”

Corey Donovan has also issued further tips on how to keep your data safe from other prevalent scams.

Be cautious while using public Wi-Fi

Airports and train stations can quickly become hotspots for cybercriminal activity, particularly during busy travel periods. Using public Wi-Fi in busy areas can make your data extremely vulnerable to cybercriminals with the right tools.

Hackers on the same network can easily access sensitive information, such as banking details, login information, and personal messages.

This is why it’s essential to avoid logging into banking apps or email accounts while using public Wi-Fi. If you must go online, always use a trusted VPN to keep your information encrypted and only browse websites that are verified with URLs beginning with HTTPS.

Ensure that your devices do not automatically connect to unsecured public hotspots by disabling the “Connect Automatically” feature.

Taking the time to set up strong passwords is another key defence against any data interceptions via public Wi-Fi. Be sure that all passwords on your device contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to make them harder for hackers to intercept. Setting up two-factor authentication can also provide more defence against these kinds of scams.

Carefully check Wi-Fi names before connecting

Often referred to as the “evil twin” scam, this is another scam that’s likely to target people using public transport.

This is when hackers create fake public Wi-Fi names or hotspots that mirror the location that you’re in. For example, they may use the name “Airport_Free_WiFi” instead of “Airport-Free-WiFi.”

Because the name appears familiar, travellers often connect without thinking. Once you’re on the hacker’s network, they can monitor everything you do: capturing passwords, reading emails, intercepting banking details, or even installing malicious software.

This is why it’s so crucial to carefully inspect the Wi-Fi name before joining and check with any staff if you’re unsure of which Wi-Fi to connect to. If you see any Wi-Fi or hotspot names that are eerily similar, such as one with an extra letter or number, then this is often a sign of cybercriminal activity.

Avoid checking work emails while on the go

When using public transport, sensitive information can be exposed more easily than people realise. The rise of “shoulder surfing” has meant that fraudsters can now easily intercept sensitive information just by looking over at your screen.

If your screen isn’t protected, a single opened email could unintentionally reveal private company information, such as confidential messages, client data, or banking information. For these reasons, it’s best to avoid handling sensitive work material on public transport.

If you do need to check any information, then ensure that your screen isn’t in clear view and avoid connecting via public Wi-Fi. Instead, ensure that your device has a secure connection and use a VPN when possible.

Ensure that your devices are up to date

With many people relying on their phones for travel tickets and navigation, keeping devices updated is more important than ever.

Software updates often include urgent security fixes that protect against newly discovered threats. Installing them promptly ensures your phone has the latest defences, reducing the risk of malware infections, data leaks, or hackers exploiting outdated software while you’re travelling or using unfamiliar networks.

When a phone falls behind on essential updates, this can place your data at a significant risk. Failing to update your device regularly means that it is missing critical security patches designed to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals will easily take advantage of.

Always check your phone’s privacy settings after an update

While it’s essential to keep your phone up to date to protect against hackers, it’s also important to always review your device’s privacy settings after completing an update.

After an update, it’s also essential to check what precise information each app has access to, as this may change after a big settings update.

Corey Donovan, the president of Alta Technologies, has commented on how to protect yourself from data breaches:

“Cybercriminals know that airports, train stations, and hotels are packed with busy travellers who are relying on public Wi-Fi, checking work emails on the go, and using their phones for everything from boarding passes to banking.

“This combination creates the perfect conditions for attackers to intercept data or trick people into connecting to fake networks. Hackers deliberately target travellers because they’re often rushed, tired, and away from secure home or office networks, making their devices less secure than usual.

“Because of this, it’s essential that you’re not letting your guard down while travelling. Avoid checking any sensitive information while on public Wi-Fi, such as banking details or confidential work information. Ensure that your phone is correctly up to date with the latest software and installed with multi-factor authentication software to add an additional layer of protection from hackers.

“It’s also important to ensure that you promptly review your privacy settings, especially if you’ve recently purchased a new device. This prevents your phone and any apps from gaining access to sensitive information, such as location history or information regarding your daily commute.

“As soon as you receive a new device, ensure that you have set up all of your online accounts with strong passwords, containing a combination of capital letters, numbers, and symbols.

“People often let their guard down while travelling or commuting, which is why it’s so essential that you’re staying informed about the latest security risks and ensuring that your device is as protected as possible from any potential threats.”

The feature brings task summaries, reminders, and AI-assisted overviews to make email management faster and smarter.

The Gmail AI Inbox is divided into two main sections: “Suggested to-dos” and “Topics to catch up on.” The first shows emails that need immediate action, such as a reminder about an upcoming bill or confirming a prescription shipment. 

The second group updates like delivery notifications and financial statements under categories like “Purchases” and “Finances,” making it easier to catch up at a glance.

“This is us delivering on Gmail proactively having your back, showing you what you need to do and when you need to do it,” said Blake Barnes, VP, Product at Google, in a briefing with reporters.

“Don’t worry, the traditional inbox will remain available. This is simply a new view you can toggle in and out of as you please to cut through the noise of your incoming mail.”

Google is initially releasing AI Inbox to trusted testers, with a wider rollout expected in the coming months.

Gmail is also adding AI Overviews to search. Users can now ask natural language questions like “Who was the plumber that gave me a quote for the bathroom renovation last year?” and receive answers summarised from emails. 

“We scour every email in your inbox, and we give you the answer to your questions right at the top,” Barnes explained. “So just like AI Overviews in Google Search, you can ask natural language questions to get an AI-powered response. However, in Gmail, the model relies solely on your email, your personal memory brain, to generate the response.”

This feature is available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Gmail is also launching Proofread, a tool that refines writing by providing one-click suggestions for clarity, conciseness, and correct word use. For example, it may suggest changing “might inflict disturbance” to “might disturb” or flag a misuse of “weather” versus “whether.”

Proofread is designed to reduce reliance on third-party tools like Grammarly and is rolling out to Pro and Ultra subscribers.

Other previously paid features are now accessible to all users. Help Me Write can draft emails from a single prompt, Suggested Replies offer context-based one-click responses, and AI Overviews summarise long email threads. Together, these tools aim to make composing, reading, and responding faster and more efficient.

Google emphasises that all AI features are optional, personal data is processed in isolated environments, and content isn’t used to train foundational models. The rollout begins in the U.S. for English-language users, with plans to expand to more regions and languages in the coming months.

With over 3 billion monthly users, Gmail is the world’s most widely used email service. Google’s AI upgrades, powered by Gemini 3, show how email has evolved since 2004, turning the inbox into a proactive assistant capable of helping users cut through information overload and get things done faster.

In a statement published on Monday, the company made it clear that the panic resulted from misinformation. “Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue,” Google wrote. “This is entirely false.”

The confusion arose after multiple outlets reported that users had been advised to reset their passwords due to a large-scale compromise.

Many Gmail account holders were surprised, having never received any such notification. The figure of 2.5 billion suggested the warning should have reached everyone, yet it did not.

Behind the rumours lies a smaller incident that occurred in June. Hackers linked to groups such as ShinyHunters and Scattered Spider breached a Salesforce database Google uses to manage advertiser contacts.

The attackers gained entry through social engineering, posing as IT staff before deploying malware.

The data they accessed included business names, contact details, and CRM notes, but no Gmail passwords, emails, or private content. Those affected were notified directly by early August.

While the Salesforce breach did not expose Gmail itself, it triggered a surge in phishing and impersonation attacks. Fraudsters have been exploiting the stolen information to send fake support emails and even make phone calls, a tactic known as “vishing.”

According to Google’s Threat Intelligence Group, phishing and vishing now account for 37% of successful account takeovers across its platforms.

The company stressed that its defences are robust, blocking the vast majority of threats. “While it’s always the case that phishers are looking for ways to infiltrate inboxes, our protections continue to block more than 99.9% of phishing and malware attempts from reaching users,” Google explained in its blog post.

Google also used the opportunity to encourage stronger digital habits. It recommends adopting passkeys, biometric-based alternatives to traditional passwords, and staying alert for suspicious emails or calls.

Although last week’s reports led some users to reset their Gmail credentials in fear of a breach, cybersecurity experts point out that regularly updating passwords is still good practice. The bigger lesson is the importance of clarity, panic spread quickly because a blog about phishing trends was mistaken for a global warning about Gmail itself.

Currently, Gmail users are not under the sweeping threat that headlines suggested. The risk is phishing, not a collapsed wall of Google’s email security.

While this may sound like a time-saver, privacy concerns are cropping up. Users are questioning what data Google collects, how long it stores it, and whether AI is now combing through their personal conversations.

A December 2023 survey by StartMail found that 95% of respondents worry about AI’s impact on privacy, and more than 40% are deeply concerned about AI scanning their emails.

Now the question is: ‘does Google’s latest foray into AI offer a welcome convenience, or does it risk users’ privacy?’

How the AI-Powered Search Works

While Google publicly refers to this update as “AI-enhanced search,” many suspect it runs on the company’s Gemini AI platform. The new Gmail AI search approach goes beyond simple keyword matching by considering factors such as recency, the frequency with which you click on emails from certain senders, and your regular contacts. 

For example, if you search “reservation,” the AI might rank booking confirmations (like flight details or restaurant receipts) at the top.

By default, Gmail now sorts results under “Most relevant,” but users can switch to a “Most recent” view for a traditional chronological list. Some users report that this relevance-based ranking is a lifesaver for crowded inboxes, while others worry that changing the order may hide brand-new emails or obscure why certain messages are prioritized.

Gemini AI’s Data Practices

Google emphasizes that it does not use general Gmail content for training its AI models without permission. However, if you actively invoke an AI feature (for example, asking the AI to summarize an email or draft a reply), that content is processed to deliver the requested service.

The following table, curated with reference to insights from Topview.ai, summarizes the key data practices:

Key clarifications:

• If you delete an AI conversation or turn off the “Gemini Apps Activity,” Google still retains recent interactions for up to 72 hours to facilitate service delivery and process feedback.
• A small percentage of chats may be selected for quality review (with personal identifiers removed) and could be stored for up to 3 years even if you delete your history.
• Although Gmail’s general inbox content is not automatically used for AI training, any snippet you provide to the AI (for instance, to generate a summary) is processed and stored for model improvement.
  

Public Sentiment

The StartMail survey highlights widespread concern about AI scanning private correspondence.

Ninety-five percent of respondents are worried about the broader privacy implications of AI, and over 40% are specifically concerned about AI reading personal emails.

Many experts believe that confusion over how AI processes and retains data contributes to this mistrust, especially when details are hidden in lengthy privacy policies.

“Integrating powerful AI into something as universally used as Gmail requires clear communication. While the ability to rank important emails is beneficial, Google must clearly define how long user data is retained, why it is kept, and who ultimately has access. Without that clarity, user trust is at risk.” – AI Analyst at Topview

Recommendations for Users

1. Check Your Search Preferences

• Gmail defaults to “Most relevant.” If you prefer a traditional chronological view, you can switch to “Most recent” with a simple click.
• Review Gemini AI Activity Settings
  • In your Google Account’s privacy controls, you can pause or delete AI interactions to limit data retention. By default, AI chat data is stored for up to 18 months, though you can adjust this setting to 3 months or up to 3 years.
• Stay Cautious with Sensitive Content
  • Avoid using the AI to summarize or handle highly confidential emails. Once processed, the content may be stored for model improvement even if it is anonymized.

Google’s Gmail AI search offers a smoother and more efficient email experience by leveraging advanced algorithms to surface key messages. However, the balance between convenience and privacy remains a key issue.

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into everyday tools, users must decide whether the benefit of faster, more intuitive email search outweighs the potential privacy risks. The responsibility falls on both Google to maintain transparency and on users to actively manage their privacy settings.

This warning comes as the company reports an increase in suspicious email activity since mid-November, coinciding with the holiday shopping season.

As the world’s largest email provider, Gmail serves over 2.5 billion users globally. Google revealed that it blocks more than 99.9% of spam, phishing attempts, and malware from reaching users’ inboxes. However, scammers continue to adapt their tactics, making this time of year particularly challenging.

Common Scams Targeting Users

Google identified three recurring scam tactics designed to exploit unsuspecting users:

1. Fake Invoices: Scammers send fraudulent invoices claiming users owe money. The goal is to get recipients to call a provided number, where they are tricked into making payments.
2. Celebrity Endorsements: Fraudsters impersonate celebrities or claim fake endorsements to gain trust and lure victims into scams. These messages often promote dubious products or deals that seem too good to be true.
3. Extortion Emails: In more alarming cases, scammers use personal details, such as home addresses, to intimidate victims. They often include threats of harm or claims of possessing sensitive information, demanding money in exchange for silence.

Tips for Staying Safe

To fight these scams, Google shared some safety tips for users:

• Pause Before Acting: Scams often create a sense of urgency. Take time to verify the message before responding.
• Check the Details: Scrutinise the sender’s email address and cross-check claims with trusted sources.
• Avoid Immediate Actions: Reputable organisations do not demand payments or sensitive information on the spot.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Mark any dubious emails as spam to help keep your inbox—and others’—secure.

Google’s enhanced security features, introduced earlier this year, have reduced the number of successful scam attempts by 35% compared to last year. 

Nonetheless, users are advised to remain cautious, especially as scammers evolve their strategies during the holiday period.

The Digital Opportunity of Nigeria report outlines how Google’s products and infrastructure are driving digital transformation and contributing to economic growth across the country.

With Nigeria experiencing rapid digital development, the report highlights the potential for further growth.

According to the study, every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria generates over $8 in economic value.

This emphasises the critical role of digital technology, including connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence (AI), in shaping Nigeria’s economic future.

Key Findings from the Report:

• Every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria contributes $8 to the country’s economy, illustrating the high return on investment in the sector.
• In 2023, Google’s products and services—including Search, Ads, YouTube, and Cloud—contributed an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity across Nigeria. This has significantly boosted the productivity of Nigerian businesses, creators, and workers.
• Google’s digital skills programs, including Digital Skills for Africa and the Career Certificates Program, have helped millions of Nigerians, with over 1.5 million young adults learning new digital skills in 2023 alone.
• The report estimates that AI could increase Nigeria’s economy by an additional $15 billion by 2030, with Google’s commitment to responsible AI development set to play a pivotal role.

The report also provides strategic recommendations for policymakers, advocating for increased cloud-first policies and enhanced digital infrastructure to maximise AI’s potential in Nigeria. Additionally, it highlights the need for stronger STEM education and AI fluency to prepare Nigeria’s workforce for the future.

Commenting on the report, Olumide Balogun, director, West Africa at Google, stated:
“We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology is having on Nigeria’s economy. This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy.”

Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.

Through products and platforms like Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome, and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people worldwide.

Meanwhile, Public First is a global policy and strategy consultancy, specialising in economic modelling and opinion research. We work with international companies, governments, institutions and foundations to provide data-rich insights that tackle major strategic challenges.

According to Amy Price, director & head of Technology Policy at Public First;
“Nigeria is a digital front-runner in Africa, and tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country. This is particularly true when it comes to connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.”

The study analyzed 30 work-related platforms, considering data on the number of major global outages, the average duration of these outages, and the total number of affected users to calculate a reliability score for each service. 

The focus was solely on major global outages where the platform was completely unavailable for all its functions.

Global Outages: Summary of the Findings

Key Highlights

Monday.com was the platform with the most frequent outages, experiencing 10 major crashes last year — almost once every month. These outages lasted an average of 45 minutes and impacted 225,000 users, resulting in the lowest reliability score of 25.5.

Gmail and Microsoft Teams each experienced six major crashes, but the impact was largely different. Gmail’s crashes affected over 1.8 billion users, over 20% of the world’s population, with an average outage duration of 3.5 hours. 

Microsoft Teams, however, had the longest outages in the study, with each lasting over five hours on average, affecting 280 million users. Despite this, Gmail maintained a higher reliability score of 55.0 compared to Microsoft Teams’ 20.7.

Slack and Outlook both had five crashes, but like Microsoft Teams, Outlook’s outages lasted an average of five hours, impacting 400 million users. In contrast, Slack’s crashes were much shorter — just 45 minutes on average — affecting a smaller user base of 18 million, leading to a significantly higher reliability score of 45.8.

Other platforms like Google Drive, GitHub, ClickUp, Salesforce, Zoom, and Notion each experienced four major outages over the last year. Google Drive, despite its widespread usage affecting over a billion users, managed to maintain the highest reliability score in the study at 61.7. The platform’s outages were shorter, averaging 1.5 hours.

Zoom had longer outages, averaging 2.5 hours, impacting 300 million users, resulting in a reliability score of 44. Notion‘s outages were slightly shorter, averaging 2 hours and affecting 30 million users, earning it a reliability score of 42.5.

A spokesperson for TRG Datacenters commented on the importance of these findings:

“The reliability of a platform is easy to maintain when the user base is relatively small. However, the game changes when a single mistake can affect millions or even billions of users, even if the downtime is as short as 30 minutes. Reliability becomes crucial when enterprises depend on these platforms to deliver results. It’s also important to consider that these platforms serve users across different time zones, so not all users may be impacted equally by an outage.”

This study revealed the challenges faced by widely used platforms in maintaining reliable services, especially as their user bases grow. Both businesses and individuals continue to rely heavily on these platforms for daily operations, hence the importance of minimizing downtime and speedily addressing outages cannot be overstated.

The message, addressed to Gmail users, indicated that the service would cease to support sending, receiving, or storing emails after the specified date. Understandably, this announcement caused concern and confusion among Gmail users worldwide.

The message from Google stated the changing digitalization and the company’s will to innovate as reasons for the decision to sunset Gmail. 

It emphasized the need to allocate resources towards developing new technologies and platforms to redefine online communication and interaction. 

Despite the clarity of the message, the prospect of losing access to Gmail led to widespread apprehension and speculation among users.

However, Google swiftly took to X (formerly Twitter) to debunk the rumours and reassure users that “Gmail is here to stay.”

The tweet aimed to dispel the misconception surrounding the purported shutting down of Gmail and reaffirmed Google’s steadfastness in maintaining the email service.

Further clarification regarding the term “Sunsetting” was provided by a Twitter user, clarifying that sunsetting is a tactic used by companies to discontinue delivering emails to contacts or subscribers who do not engage with various campaigns over a specific period. 

This explanation detailed that the notion of Gmail sunsetting was not reflective of the actual situation.

Alongside the rumours, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk hinted at the development of Xmail, leading to anticipation and curiosity among users. While some welcomed the idea of a new email service, others noted displeasure and reluctance to switch from established platforms like Gmail.

Some users voiced concerns about data privacy and security implications associated with transitioning to a new platform.

The topic surrounding the emergence of Xmail noted the importance of competition in the digital communication industry and highlighted users’ varying preferences and priorities when choosing email services.

While the rumours regarding the sunsetting have been debunked, the discussions surrounding the potential introduction of Xmail remain standing. 

Google while issuing the warning to users said in a statement that it will delete millions of Gmail accounts in December, unless the users (re)activate them.

The company also said that this is one of the parts of a major update to the platform.

“The purge will impact all personal Google accounts that have been left dormant for at least two years, with emails, documents, spreadsheets, calendar appointments, photos and videos all permanently deleted,” the statement read.

According to Google, the policy had been introduced earlier this year but it will come into effect in December 2023.

“We are updating our inactivity policy for Google Accounts to two years across our products,” Google’s vice president of product management, Ruth Kricheli, had written in a blog post earlier in May 2023.

“This update aligns our policy with industry standards around retention and account deletion and also limits the amount of time Google retains your unused personal information.”

The company added that it is taking this step so as to protect active Google users from security threats such as phishing scams and account hijacking.

According to Google, old Gmail accounts that have not been used for a number of years typically stand the risk of being hacked.

It said this is because they may use the same passwords that have been compromised in other security breaches, which could be easily found on the dark web.

“Any account at risk of deletion will receive multiple notifications before any action is taken,” Google said while including any associated recovery email addresses.

“We have already begun sending emails to those affected, telling users it is “to protect your private information and prevent any unauthorised access to your account even if you’re no longer using our services,” the tech giant stated.

“Losing access to a Gmail account could also potentially prevent people from using other online platforms and services that are associated with that email address, even if they are not related to Google.

“In order to keep an account active and avoid being deleted, Google users are advised to open or send an email, use Google Drive, download an app on the Google Play Store, or simply make a Google Search while logged in to the account.”

The tech giant, however, said that any Gmail account that has posted a video to YouTube does not stand the risk of being deleted regardless of when it was last active.