If you upload research papers, PDFs, notes, or private documents to NotebookLM, the first privacy question is usually this: does Google train its AI models on that material?
Does NotebookLM train on your data?
According to Google, your NotebookLM content is not directly used to train Google’s foundational generative AI models during normal use.
Uploaded sources, questions, and notebook content are used to help NotebookLM answer questions and generate outputs from your sources. That is the product working as designed — not the same thing as adding your files to a public model-training set.
There is one important exception: feedback.
If you click thumbs up or thumbs down, Google says the associated content may be reviewed by specially trained teams and used to improve Google products and machine learning technologies. That can include your prompts, uploads, sources, model responses, and generated content.
For personal accounts, Google says reviewed feedback and associated content can be retained for up to three years, disconnected from your Google Account.
What about Google Workspace?
Google provides stronger protections for Google Workspace and Workspace for Education users.
Google says that notebook uploads, queries, and model responses for these users are not reviewed by human reviewers or used to train AI models, including when feedback is provided.
Google Cloud users also receive extra protections. Google says uploaded files remain within the relevant Google Cloud project, and that files, chats, and model outputs are not reviewed by human reviewers or used to improve generative AI models.
If you work at a school or company, check whether you are signed in with a personal Gmail account or a managed Workspace account. The rules are not the same.
Is NotebookLM safe for research?
For ordinary research and study, Google’s current policy is reassuring. Your documents are not directly used to train foundational AI models during normal NotebookLM use.
Privacy and confidentiality are still different things.
Before you upload unpublished research, company files, personal information, or other confidential material, check your organization’s AI policy and confirm you have permission to process that information. Also remember that sharing a notebook can give other people access to its contents.
NotebookTools is a Chrome extension that imports sources into your NotebookLM account. It does not operate a backend that stores your notebook files. See our privacy policy for how the extension works.
What about confidential research?
If the material is highly sensitive, do not rely only on the general consumer policy. Ask these five questions first:
- Are you allowed to upload this material at all?
- Does your institution permit NotebookLM (or Gemini Notebook) for this work?
- Are you using a personal Google account or a managed Workspace account?
- Does the file contain confidential or personal information?
- Might you submit feedback that includes that sensitive content?
Google specifically advises users not to include confidential or sensitive information when submitting feedback. If you need to rate a response, strip identifying details first — or skip feedback entirely.
The short answer
Does NotebookLM train on your data?
For normal use, Google says no — your NotebookLM content is not directly used to train its foundational generative AI models.
The important exception is feedback. If you submit thumbs up or thumbs down, associated content may be reviewed and used to improve Google’s products and machine learning technologies.
For Workspace and Workspace for Education users, Google says notebook content is not reviewed by human reviewers or used to train AI models.
Google’s product name and policies can change — newer help pages may refer to Gemini Notebook. Check the official documentation before using NotebookLM for highly confidential information.
Sources
- Google, Privacy and Terms of Use in Gemini Notebook — support.google.com/gemininotebook/answer/17004255
- Google, Learn about Gemini Notebook — support.google.com/gemininotebook/answer/16164461
- Google, Notebooks in Gemini Apps — support.google.com/gemininotebook/answer/17003757
- Google, Gemini Notebook for Google Cloud — support.google.com/gemininotebook/answer/16213268
- Google, NotebookLM is now Gemini Notebook — blog.google
Last verified: August 23, 2026.
FAQ
Should I use a personal Gmail account for work research?
If the files are confidential, prefer a managed Workspace account and your organization’s approved tools. Personal-account feedback rules are weaker.
Does importing with NotebookTools change this?
No. NotebookTools sends sources into your existing NotebookLM / Google session. Google’s NotebookLM privacy terms still apply to the notebook itself.
Where can I read Google’s current policy?
Start with Privacy and Terms of Use in Gemini Notebook. Policies can change, so verify before you upload sensitive files.