Google policy shift links files to ads
A new exception allows Gmail and Photos content to influence targeted advertising for users who connect their accounts to AI features.
By John Ferrari ·
Google updated its privacy terms on October 16 to permit the use of personal account data for advertising. The change creates an exception to the company's previous rule that it would not use information from Gmail, Google Drive, or Google Photos to serve personalized ads. Android Authority first identified the revision in the updated policy text.
The shift follows the launch of Google's Personal Intelligence feature. This tool allows users to connect their personal files to AI Mode and other Search tools. The connection enables these services to draw on a user's own content to generate more tailored answers and recommendations. Prior to the update, the privacy policy stated simply that Google would not use data from these specific services for ads.
Since October 16, the policy includes a qualifier. The commitment not to use this data for ads holds only unless a user chooses to make that data available to other Google services that support personalized ads. In practical terms, the change affects people who have linked their Drive, Gmail, or Photos accounts to AI Mode. Under the new terms, allowing these tools to access personal content for better recommendations also permits the use of that content for ad targeting.
Google outlined specific limits to the new practice. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the files or personally identifying details such as names or email addresses. The company also stated it will not show ads based on sensitive categories, including race, sexual orientation, religion, or health. The policy text explains that services like Search or Gemini Apps may reach data from other products to provide a more personalized experience.
The updated terms include an example of how this works. If Search processes data a user permits it to access, it can use that information to personalize content, including ads. The policy notes that users might see personalized ads based on their interests or activity across Google services. For instance, a user who searches for mountain bikes in Search might later see advertisements for sports equipment on YouTube.
Users who wish to keep their personal data out of ad targeting have two primary options. They can select which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can turn off Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page.
