Google privacy update may let Gmail data inform AI ads
Original title: Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
The October 16 wording drops a ban on ads based on Drive, Gmail, or Photos content shared with other Google services.
On October 16 Google changed its privacy policy, removing language that said it does not show personalized ads based on Drive, Gmail, or Photos content. Ars Technica reports the new wording can cover data users opt in to share through Personal Intelligence with Gemini, AI Overviews, and AI Mode, where sponsored content can appear. Google says connecting apps is opt-in and ads will not be based directly on a Gmail inbox or Photos library, and that sensitive information will not tailor ads.
Unconfirmed: Google says ads are not based directly on Gmail or Photos, which differs from the article's reading of the policy.
- Personal Intelligence, released in early 2026, links app data to Gemini and AI search.
- The Gemini app does not currently show ads; AI search tools can show sponsored content.
- Google says ads stay tied to the query, response context, and user interests.
From the original article
2 min read at arstechnica.com
Turning on Personal Intelligence gives the company more data for ad targeting.
By Ryan Whitwam · arstechnica.com
A short excerpt; the article and its images belong to the publisher. Summary, key facts and assessment above are AI-written from the article and can be wrong.