Just when you think you have your domain locked down, Google flips a switch and there is a whole new set of policies to review. 😵

Google is changing how Gemini handles conversation data for users starting March 17, 2026. You’ll need to understand how these new policies work AND review your default settings before mid-March.

Before we dig into the policy updates, I need to make sure you understand the difference between the Gemini App and Gemini for Workspace. There are a lot of different features with “Gemini” in the name. Keeping them straight can be a challenge. These two products might seem the same, but they are actually quite different: 

The Gemini App (gemini.google.com)

Think of this as your standalone AI chatbot. This is where you go to brainstorm ideas, ask questions, and generate text in a dedicated window. It is a core service for EDU, meaning the data is private and not used to train public models.

ALL Google Workspace for Education customers have access to the Gemini App and the admin policies are available here: Generative AI > Gemini App

The update we are discussing in this post does NOT apply to the Gemini App.

Gemini for Workspace (side panel)

This is Gemini integrated directly into Gmail, Classroom, Docs, Slides, Sheets, etc. Gemini for Workspace used to require an Google AI Pro license, but  Google recently announced that it is making the Gmail integration available for all users and Docs, Slides, and Forms will soon be available for EDU Plus customers.

The admin policies for these features are available here: Generative AI > Gemini for Workspace

The update we are discussing in this post only impacts Gemini for Workspace.

Now that we have that terminology straightened out, let’s talk about changes to conversation history for Gemini for Workspace. 

Review your Gemini Conversation History Settings

Google announced that conversation history is officially coming to the Gemini side panel in Workspace apps (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, etc.). This means users will be able to resume their past AI chats across different sessions within the same app. Previously, all conversations were removed at the conclusion of each session. 

Related Post: Google Vault adds support for auditing Gemini conversations

Chat history for Gemini for Workspace makes a lot of sense, and brings the user experience inline with the core Gemini application. In order to access this new feature, you will need to review your Gemini data retention policy.

Admin console path: Generative AI > Gemini  for Workspace > Conversation history & deletion

• Manual Deletion (allow users to delete conversation): Select on/off
• Auto Deletion (determines how long conversations are stored): Let users decide OR pick a duration (3 months > indefinite)

At this time, Google Vault does not support side-panel conversation history. Vault integration is expected in the near future. These admin controls are available now. Conversation history will begin rolling out to Rapid/Scheduled release domains on March 17, 2026. Make sure you adjust these settings before then!

Learn more:

• Review and manage your conversation retention settings
• Gemini in Workspace capabilities coming to EDU Plus
• Compare Gemini features in Google Workspace (table)