Drawbacks and Disadvantages

Privacy concerns arise from Google's data collection for targeted advertising, despite claims that they no longer scan emails for ad personalization. Data security is another issue, as any online service can be vulnerable to breaches, potentially compromising sensitive information. Additionally, Gmail's reliance on internet connectivity can be a drawback in areas with unreliable service, and the presence of ads in free accounts can be intrusive. 

Gmail's storage, while substantial, is shared across Google services like Drive and Photos, which can be limiting for heavy users. The extensive features and integrations can be overwhelming for new or less tech-savvy users. Gmail also has a 25 MB attachment size limit, requiring larger files to be sent via Google Drive, which can be inconvenient. Customization options for the user interface and functionality are limited compared to some other email services, and the automatic categorization of emails can sometimes cause important messages to be overlooked. 

Compliance with data privacy laws such as GDPR and CCPA can be challenging, and Google has faced scrutiny and fines for non-compliance. Antitrust investigations and issues related to cross-border data transfers can impact how Gmail is offered and integrated. Concerns about government surveillance requests and Google's history of discontinuing services can disrupt user workflows and erode trust in the stability of its offerings.