Google Privacy Shift: Personal Files Now Fuel Targeted Ads
A policy update effective October 16 allows Gmail and Drive content to influence ad targeting for users who link these services to AI Mode.
By Leila Reynolds ·
Google has revised its privacy terms to permit the use of personal account data for targeted advertising.
The change applies specifically to users who have connected their personal files to the company's AI features. Before this update, the policy explicitly stated that Google would not use data from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos for personalized ads. Since October 16, the policy includes a new exception. It now states that the commitment holds unless a user chooses to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.
This shift affects individuals who have enabled the Personal Intelligence feature. This tool links Drive, Gmail, or Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools. The connection allows the system to draw on a user's own content to provide tailored answers. Under the new terms, this same sharing of content also allows Google to use that data to target advertisements.
Android Authority was the first to identify the revision. Google has outlined specific limits to the change. Advertisers do not receive direct access to the information stored in a user's Drive, Gmail, or Photos. They also do not receive personally identifying details such as names or email addresses. The company says it will not show ads based on sensitive categories, which include race, sexual orientation, religion, or health.
The updated policy text explains that users may allow services like Search or Gemini Apps to reach data from other products. This access is intended to provide a more personalized experience. The policy notes that Search may process permitted data to personalize content, including ads. It gives an example where a user who searches for mountain bikes in Search might later see ads for sports equipment on YouTube.
Users who wish to keep their personal data out of ad targeting have specific options. They can select which apps to disconnect from Search's Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can switch off Personalized Recommendations entirely through the Search Services Personalization settings page.
The company describes ad personalization as a broad function based on user settings. The policy states that Google may show personalized ads based on interests, activity, or personalized content from Google services. This framework integrates file content into the existing ad targeting ecosystem for those who opt in to the connected features.
