Is NotebookLM really private?

NotebookLM is reasonably private for a Google product. Your uploaded sources are not used to train AI models. Other users cannot see your notebooks. Google processes your content to provide the service under its standard terms.

Practical caveats: - Content passes through Google's infrastructure — if your organization has data residency requirements or handles legally privileged material, apply the same judgment you would for any Google Workspace document - Google retains the right to access content to operate and improve the service, per its standard terms - NotebookLM Plus via Google Workspace may offer additional enterprise data controls

For most personal research, academic, and professional use, the privacy level is comparable to storing documents in Google Drive.