Fact Check: Is Gmail Shutting Down In August?

New Delhi: Social media has been abuzz with speculation that Gmail, the most popular email service used by Indians, could be shutting down later this year.

As per a purported screenshot of an email addressed to Gmail users from Google, the company was “sunsetting Gmail” on August 1, 2024. The email also claimed that Gmail will no longer be supporting, sending, receiving and storing emails after August.

“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.

Social media users have shared the screenshot thousands of times, with many observing that Google took such a decision after facing backlash over its AI image tool Gemini.

With rumours spreading like wildfire, Google has stepped in to end the speculation, clarifying that it is not closing its popular email service.

“Gmail is here to stay,” Google wrote on X, much to the relief of about 127 million people in this country who rely on Gmail for online communication.

According to tech experts, Google has recently shut down the HTML version of Gmail.

“Gmail discontinued the HTML only version of its service, as of January of 2024. Standard @gmail works just fine. Stupid hoax,” said Marsha Collier, a tech educator.

The HTML version of Gmail allowed users to access emails in low-network areas.

Three months ago, Google had alerted that it will be deleting accounts which have been inactive for at least two years.