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Does NotebookLM store or train on my data?
Short answer
NotebookLM, which Google's help pages now call Gemini Notebook, stores the files you add, your chats and outputs so it can run your notebooks. Google says that content "will not be used to directly train our foundational AI models, unless you choose to provide feedback". Feedback can be read by human reviewers and kept for up to three years.
Personal vs work accounts
| Personal Google account | Google Workspace account | |
|---|---|---|
| Sources stored to run your notebooks | Yes | Yes |
| Used to train Google's foundation models | No, unless you send feedback | No |
| Human review | Only of feedback you send | No, even if you send feedback |
| Feedback retention | Up to 3 years, disconnected from your account | Not reviewed |
| Terms | Google Terms of Service | Google Cloud or Workspace terms |
The feedback catch
When you press thumbs up or thumbs down, Google collects the related content, including your prompts, sources, uploads and generated outputs such as audio overviews, and trained teams review it. That includes any Gemini chats in the notebook, even if your Gemini Apps Activity is off. On a personal account, don't press feedback on a notebook with client documents in it.
Safe use for a small business
- Use a Workspace account for anything containing customer, staff or financial data.
- On a personal account, stick to public material: regulations, product manuals, published guidance.
- Delete notebooks you no longer need.
Related questions
Is NotebookLM the same as Gemini Notebook?
Yes. Google's help centre now uses the Gemini Notebook name, and the support address is still notebooklm-user-support@google.com.
Does Gemini Notebook cost money?
It's free with limits, and Google AI and Workspace plans unlock more. See is Gemini free in Google Workspace?
Does the Gemini app treat my data the same way?
No. Data shared with the Gemini app follows the Gemini Apps Privacy Notice. See does Gemini use my data for training?
Sources
- Google: privacy and terms of use in Gemini Notebook
- Google Workspace Help: generative AI privacy hub
Checked 17 October 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the source before you rely on it. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
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