has a graveyard list when it comes to its products. The company is known to kill its services and products. However, none of them have been a mainstream or a hugely popular product. So it was rather surprising that the fake news about Google shutting down the world's most-popular email service not just spread, but spread like wildfire.
The anxiety of
Gmail
users made Google too take notice and respond.
"Gmail is here to stay," said the message from Google-owned Gmail on its official page.
What the 'Gmail shutdown' message scared users
The rumour started with a message that began to circulate claiming that the company is preparing to sunset Gmail later this year. The manipulated image made rounds on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Some reports claim that it started from the TikTok app. Some of these posts claimed that Google is shutting down Gmail after receiving all the backlash it received over Gemini image generation.
"After years of connecting millions worldwide, enabling seamless communication, and fostering countless connections, the journey of Gmail is coming to a close," the message reads. "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," it further said.
Google's 'community clarification'
Incidentally, it also seems that Google realised the gravity of the Gmail shutting down rumour spreading on social media platforms. As a 'community clarification' post from Google followed all such posts on X.