Google updates privacy policy allowing Gmail, Drive, and Photos data to personalize ads when linked to AI features

Effective Oct. 16, Google revised its privacy policy, adding a conditional clause stating that content from Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos can personalize ads only if users choose to make this data available to other Google services supporting personalized ads. This linkage is tied to Personal Intelligence, which enables AI Mode in Search and Gemini to use connected app data for tailored responses; however, this data can also inform ad targeting. By default, content is not used for ad targeting, advertisers do not see underlying content, and users can opt out via Connected Content apps settings in their Google Account’s Data & privacy settings.