This article explains the current limitations regarding deleting individual Google Gemini chat sessions for University of Maine System accounts. It clarifies the difference between Google Workspace (enterprise) and personal Google accounts and outlines the data retention policy.
Detailed Information
Google Workspace vs. Personal Google Accounts
It is important to distinguish between a personal Google account (ending in @gmail.com) and a University of Maine System Google Workspace account (ending in @maine.edu).
- Personal Google Accounts: Users with personal @gmail.com accounts can delete individual Gemini chats and manage their history manually.
- Google Workspace (University) Accounts: Google currently does not allow individual chat deletion for any Google Workspace enterprise account. This is a platform-wide restriction by Google that applies to all organizations using Workspace, not just the University of Maine System.
Because of this distinction, you may be able to delete chats on your personal device/account but find the option missing when logged into your University account. This is expected behavior for the platform.
Retention Policy
While individual deletion is not available, the University's domain is configured with an automated retention policy:
- Gemini conversation history: Enabled (On)
- Retention Period: 18 months
Chats are automatically retained for 18 months. Once a chat session reaches this age, it is automatically removed from your history by the system.
Source: Google Help: Find & manage your recent chats in Gemini Apps
INFO: Non-work related chats that occur within your University Gemini history cannot be deleted individually. They will remain in your history until the automated 18-month retention period expires.
Environment
- Google Workspace (Enterprise/Education Edition)
- Google Gemini