A hoax claiming Google was 'sunsetting' Gmail went viral, sparking widespread discussion and concern among users. The rumor, suggesting Gmail would be abruptly shut down, was debunked by Google through various statements emphasizing that Gmail is 'Here To Stay'. The misinformation, described as a 'perfect prank', gained traction on social media platforms, including X, where the 'sunsetting hoax' trended. Google issued a five-word statement to quell the rumors, and multiple sources including Forbes and TechInsider reassured users with reports clarifying that 'Gmail isn't going anywhere'. The artist responsible for the hoax utilized the 'inspect element' tool to alter an old Google email, highlighting the ease of creating fake content online.
By me @Forbes: Google falls victim to manipulated media as ‘Gmail closing down’ email goes viral. #viral #gmail #x https://t.co/ujjOxFoaJI
This gmail thing was a hoax https://t.co/ACCMAro7H2
New @AFP: A hoax about Google sunsetting Gmail went viral yesterday, even trending on X. The artist behind it created the fake announcement by using "inspect element" to doctor an old Google email -- proving how easy it is to fabricate content online. https://t.co/RI5NvbufJI
Google would like you to know that Gmail isn't going anywhere https://t.co/6pZxYYCYtE
sunsetting Gmail was the perfect prank. at its face as patently ridiculous as saying Nvidia will cease making GPUs but given Google's reputation you just couldn't help to go check the news tab.
sunsetting Gmail was the perfect prank. at its face as patently ridiculous as saying Nvidia will no longer make GPUs but given Google's reputation you just couldn't help to go check the news tab.
Don't believe the rumors, Gmail isn't going anywhere https://t.co/MuNoDMYMnV
Google issues five-word statement after claims it is 'sunsetting' Gmail https://t.co/51uWjJ1z6L
Gmail Says It’s ‘Here To Stay’ After Sunsetting Hoax Circulates On X https://t.co/AY8CSxN1vX https://t.co/JjiGiWuTtW
The thing that made this gmail misinformation meme so successful is that google has burned so much goodwill with its users that literally no one would be surprised if they shut down gmail out of the blue. Yeah, I still have an axe to grind over Google Reader.