Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads

What changed

Google updated its privacy policy. The old version promised that it would not use your Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos files for personalized ads. Since October 16, the policy has an exception. It says this is not true if you choose to share that data with other Google services that show personalized ads.

Key facts

• The change took effect on October 16.
• It applies to people who connect Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to Search's Personal Intelligence features, including AI Mode.
• Advertisers do not see your files, your name, or your email address.
• Google says it will not show ads based on sensitive topics like race, religion, sexual orientation, or health.

What is Personal Intelligence?

Personal Intelligence is a Google feature. It lets AI tools in Search look at your own data, such as your emails and photos. With this data, the AI can give answers and suggestions that fit you better.

Why it matters

Better AI answers now come with a trade-off. If you let Google's AI read your personal content, that content may also be used to pick the ads you see. Google's example: if you search for mountain bikes, you may later see sports gear ads on YouTube.

What you can do

• Go to the Search Services Personalization settings page.
• Disconnect the apps you do not want used by Search's Personal Intelligence features.
• Turn off Personalized Recommendations completely if you do not want any of this.