Is Gmail shutting down in August? Google has moved swiftly to dispel swirling rumors that its widely used email service, Gmail, was facing imminent closure.
Speculation arose following the circulation of a screenshot purportedly depicting an email from Google to Gmail users, announcing the service’s termination on August 1st of this year.
The alleged communication further suggested that Gmail would cease supporting essential functions such as sending, receiving, and storing emails.
“After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close. As of August 1, 2024, Gmail will officially be sunsetted, marking the end of its service. This means Gmail will no longer support sending, receiving, or storing emails,” the screenshot read.
The screenshot gained significant traction across social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, where users speculated that the decision might be linked to recent controversy surrounding Google’s AI image tool, Gemini.
This tool stirred controversy after generating images depicting Nazi soldiers with diverse racial features.
Is Gmail shutting down in August?
However, Google swiftly addressed the rumors, affirming its commitment to Gmail in a post on X. The tech giant unequivocally stated that Gmail is not facing closure, putting an end to any conjecture about its future.
Gmail is here to stay.
— Gmail (@gmail) February 22, 2024
Moreover, tech experts joined the fray to provide clarification, explaining that while Google had indeed discontinued the HTML version of Gmail in January of this year, the core email service remains unaffected.
This HTML version primarily caters to users in low-network areas seeking access to their emails.
Also read: Google to delete millions of Gmail accounts next month: Here’s why
Marsha Collier, a respected figure in the tech community, denounced the rumors as a “stupid hoax” and emphasized that the standard @gmail service continues to operate without interruption.
The incident underscores the prevalence of misinformation on social media platforms and the need for prompt clarification from authoritative sources to quell unfounded rumors.
