MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA — Google has confirmed that third-party app developers can sometimes read private emails sent by Gmail users. <br /><br />Third-party developers gain access to read private emails when Google asks users for permission via a pop-up box the app asks to "read, send, delete and manage your email," according to CNet.<br /><br />Google indicates that this practice isn't against its policies...instead it claims that third-party developers help Gmail build various services, reports The BBC.<br /><br />According to a report by the Washington Post, there are two specific apps that was used by Google: Return Path and Edison Software.<br /><br />Return Path allegedly read 8000 user emails from two years ago to develop Google's software.<br /><br />Edison Software helped manage user emails to help train Gmail's "Smart Reply" Feature.<br /><br />Both Return Path and Edison Software defended their actions..with the latter claiming they have "since stopped this practice."<br /><br />Google said users can revoke access from any third-party apps that users have previously given access to by going to its Security Checkup page, reports EnGadget.
