Google has clarified that it is not shutting down its popular email service, Gmail, after a viral hoax claimed that the service would end on August 1, 2024. The tech giant said that Gmail is here to stay and users can continue to send, receive and store emails as usual.
A fake email sparked panic among Gmail users
The rumours started when a screenshot of a fake email, allegedly from Google, circulated on social media platforms. The email said that Gmail would be “sunsetted” on August 1, 2024, and that users would no longer be able to use the service after that date. The email also said that users should download their data and switch to another email provider before the deadline.
The screenshot was shared thousands of times on X, formerly Twitter, and TikTok, with some users expressing shock and disbelief, while others questioned the authenticity of the email. Some users also linked the hoax to a recent controversy over Google’s AI image tool, Gemini, which generated images of “racially-diverse” Nazi soldiers.
Google and tech experts debunked the hoax
Google quickly stepped in and put an end to the speculations. The company posted on X that Gmail is here to stay and that users do not need to worry about losing their emails. Google also said that the email was not sent by them and that users should always check the sender’s address and the URL of any links before clicking on them.
Tech experts also took to social media to debunk the hoax and explain that Google was only discontinuing the HTML-only version of Gmail, which was used by a small number of users in low-network areas. The standard Gmail service, which most users access through the web or mobile apps, would continue to operate normally. They also advised users to be wary of phishing attempts and fake news online.
Gmail is one of the most popular email services in the world
Gmail is one of the most widely used email services in the world, with more than 1.8 billion users as of 2020. The service was launched by Google in 2004 and offers 15 GB of free storage, spam filtering, security features, and integration with other Google products, such as Google Drive, Google Photos, and Google Meet. Gmail also supports multiple languages, custom domains, and third-party apps.
Gmail is constantly updated and improved by Google, with new features and enhancements added regularly. Some of the recent additions include dark mode, smart compose, confidential mode, and dynamic email. Gmail also has a loyal fan base, who appreciate its reliability, simplicity, and functionality.
