Google's privacy policy update leads to personal data usage in targeted ads

Google has implemented privacy policy updates that allow users' Gmail, Google Photos, and Drive data to be processed for targeted advertising purposes if they connect this data to AI-based personal intelligence and search tools.

Google has rolled out a privacy policy update that creates an exception to its previous commitment that Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos data would not be used in targeted advertising. Spotted by Android Authority and effective as of October 16, this update covers users who connect the aforementioned services to AI Mode and other search tools via Google's Personal Intelligence feature.

According to the updated terms, allowing search or Gemini apps to access Workspace apps and photos in order to provide personalized recommendations means that search can process this data to personalize content, including ads. Google states that advertisers cannot access user files, photos, emails, or personally identifiable information such as name and email address. Additionally, ads are not targeted based on sensitive categories such as race, religion, sexual orientation, or health. Users can prevent their personal data from being used for ad targeting by excluding specific apps from search's Personal Intelligence settings or by completely disabling personalized recommendations.