Google links Gmail and Photos data to ad targeting for AI users

Google now uses the contents of Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos to target personalized ads for a specific segment of its user base. The change took effect on October 16, though Android Authority was the first to identify the revision.

For years, the company’s policy stated it would not use data from these services for ad targeting. The updated text adds a condition. The promise holds only if the user does not make that data available to other Google services that support personalized ads.

The new terms apply to people who use the Personal Intelligence feature. This tool connects a user’s files in Drive, Gmail, or Photos to AI Mode and other Search tools. The connection allows the software to pull from personal content to create tailored answers. Under the new rules, that same access permits advertisers to target users based on the file contents.

Google states that advertisers do not receive direct access to the data. They also do not see personally identifying details like names or email addresses. The company says it will not base ads on sensitive categories such as race, religion, health, or sexual orientation.

The policy explains that users can allow services like Search or Gemini Apps to reach data from other products. The goal is to provide a more personalized experience. The text notes that Search may process permitted data to personalize content, including ads. It gives an example where a search for mountain bikes leads to sports equipment ads on YouTube.

Users who want to opt out have two main choices. They can disconnect specific apps from the Personal Intelligence features. Alternatively, they can turn off Personalized Recommendations entirely. This setting is found in the Search Services Personalization page.