Credit: Solen Feyissa on Unsplash
Google has changed its privacy policy so that Gmail, Drive and Google Photos content can shape your ads. That applies if you connect those apps to Google services that show ads. The new version of the Google privacy policy took effect on 16 October.
Shimul Sood first reported the change for Android Authority on 23 October. Until then, the ads section of the policy carried a plain promise.
“We don’t show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos.” Google, 1 October version
What changed
The current version keeps that sentence and adds an exception at the end.
“We don’t show you personalized ads based on your content from Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos, unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized ads.” Google privacy policy, from 16 October
A new passage explains how that can happen. Users may let Search or the Gemini app access data from Photos, Gmail and Drive, the policy says.
“For example, Search may process some of the data that you allow Search to access to personalize content, including ads.” Google privacy policy, from 16 October
Where Personal Intelligence comes in
The route is Personal Intelligence, which Google launched in the Gemini app on 14 January. It lets Gemini and Search tools such as AI Mode draw on connected apps to tailor their answers. Google later added it to Gemini Live too.
Android Authority gave an example. Ask Search for restaurants near a hotel you have booked. It can find the booking in Gmail and suggest places nearby.
The Gemini app shows no ads for now. AI search tools can show sponsored content, though, Ryan Whitwam wrote for Ars Technica. Ads are spreading through AI answers elsewhere too. ChatGPT ads now reach 89 countries, and a Similarweb report in July found AI search filling with ads.
What Google says
Google said in a statement to Ars Technica that the ads will follow the conversation, not the inbox.
“Connecting your apps is entirely opt-in. Ads will continue to be relevant to things like your query, the context of the response and your interests. Ads will not be based directly on your Gmail inbox or Photos library, and as always, sensitive information will not be used to tailor ads.” Google
A Google spokesperson told Ars the update doesn’t change how it handles data with ad partners. Advertisers don’t get the content of Drive, Gmail or Photos, Jess Weatherbed reported for The Verge. Nor do they get details such as your name or email address.
Not in Europe, for now
Personal Intelligence is still a beta for personal accounts of people over 18. Google’s Personal Intelligence page says it is rolling out globally, except in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the UK and Nigeria. Workspace business, enterprise and education accounts don’t get it either.
Users who have turned it on can disconnect Workspace and Google Photos from Search. In the Google Account, the setting sits under Data & privacy, Personalization settings, then Manage Personalized Recommendations in Search Services.
Disconnecting may not erase what Google has already saved, Android Authority noted. Search Services History can keep that data even after you disconnect the app or delete the original email or photo.
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