Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads
News Source
β’2026-10-23T12:52:55-04:00
π° What Happened
Google changed its privacy policy on 16 October. The old wording promised that Gmail, Drive and Photos data would not be used for personalised ads.
A new line adds an exception. If you connect those services to AI tools like AI Mode and Gemini through Google's Personal Intelligence feature, that data can now shape the ads you see. Android Authority spotted the change.
π The Backstory
Google says advertisers still cannot read your emails or photos, and ads will not be based on sensitive topics like health, religion or sexuality. Personalised ads have been a legal battleground for years, with big fines in Europe.
Users can limit this. You can disconnect apps from Personal Intelligence, or turn off personalised recommendations in Search settings. Most people never open those settings pages.
π― Why It Matters
If you use Google's AI tools, your private files may now shape your ads. Checking those settings takes a couple of minutes.
Google changed its privacy policy on 16 October. The old wording promised that Gmail, Drive and Photos data would not be used for personalised ads.
A new line adds an exception. If you connect those services to AI tools like AI Mode and Gemini through Google's Personal Intelligence feature, that data can now shape the ads you see. Android Authority spotted the change.
Google says advertisers still cannot read your emails or photos, and ads will not be based on sensitive topics like health, religion or sexuality. Personalised ads have been a legal battleground for years, with big fines in Europe.
Users can limit this. You can disconnect apps from Personal Intelligence, or turn off personalised recommendations in Search settings. Most people never open those settings pages.
If you use Google's AI tools, your private files may now shape your ads. Checking those settings takes a couple of minutes.