Key Points:
- Google publicly Denies a hoax claiming the shutdown of Gmail, emphasizing the email service’s continued operation.
- The misinformation circulated widely on social media, prompting Google to address it directly on the same platform.
- The hoax appears to have originated from a misinterpretation of a legitimate email sent by Google in 2023 regarding changes to Gmail’s HTML view.
- Despite debunking false claims, Google has discontinued some services in recent years, reflecting evolving user needs and technological advancements.
Google has been compelled to publicly reassure users that Gmail is “here to stay” following a widespread hoax that falsely claimed the email service would shut down in August. The hoax, which circulated widely on social media, prompted Google to address the misinformation directly on the same platform.
Gmail is here to stay.
— Gmail (@gmail) February 22, 2024
The misinformation spread rapidly after a post on X (formerly Twitter) garnered over seven million views, asserting that Gmail would cease operations. However, Google swiftly debunked the false claim, highlighting the dangers of misinformation online. While social media platforms struggle to curb misinformation, X has faced particular criticism for its handling of false information, with the EU previously singling it out as being worse than its peers in spreading falsehoods.
The hoax appears to have originated from a misinterpretation of a real email sent by Google in 2023, which notified users about the discontinuation of Gmail’s basic HTML view. Despite rejecting the false claims, it is noteworthy that Google has shuttered some services recently, including its Stadia gaming platform and YouTube Stories feature.
Google’s commitment to maintaining Gmail, the world’s most popular email service with over 1.5 billion active users worldwide, remains steadfast. However, the company has implemented changes and closures for various services based on evolving user needs and technological advancements.
In addition to debunking the hoax, Google’s response underscores its ongoing efforts to combat misinformation while balancing the principles of free speech and content moderation on its platforms.
