Google is defending its email data-sharing practices to lawmakers.
In a letter to U.S. senators, the company outlined how third-party app developers are allowed access to Gmail accounts.
It's in response to concerns raised by Senate Republicans about the "potential misuse of personal data," following a report from the Wall Street Journal that said "hundreds" of outside developers scan Gmail inboxes.
According to Google, third-party companies are vetted before they're given that kind of access. Google also noted that Gmail users can opt in or out of letting an outside app have access to their email, saying the process is "transparent."
The letter's release comes as Washington has taken steps to crack down on big tech companies and the way they handle con sumers' information.
Officials from Google, Apple, Amazon and Twitter are scheduled to testify at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing about data privacy practices next week.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
