Google Updates Privacy Policy on Using Gmail and Photos Data for Ads

Google revised its global advertising privacy terms to permit personal information from Workspace applications to inform commercial ad personalization when users enable connected artificial intelligence features. The policy modification, originally enacted on October 16 and identified by Android Authority, amends longstanding assurances that strictly insulated user content inside Gmail, Drive, and Google Photos from advertising engines.

In July 2021, Google added an explicit pledge to its privacy policy stating that it does not show personalized ads based on content from Drive, Gmail, or Photos, according to PPC Land.

Under the updated framework, Google added an exception allowing data from previously firewalled services to be used if individuals connect them to Google products that support personalized promotions. The change aligns with Google's rollout of Personal Intelligence, an opt-in ecosystem capability introduced in early 2026 that links personal documents and media to Gemini and AI Mode search.

Disconnecting a connected app does not necessarily erase information already collected by Google, and data stored in Search Services History may remain after disconnection, according to Android Authority.

Integration with AI Search and Ad Targeting Boundaries

While the standalone Gemini consumer application currently displays no commercial messaging, users may encounter sponsored advertising links within AI Mode search results. Google affirmed in an official statement that connecting apps remains completely opt-in and insisted that ad delivery will not be formulated directly from private inboxes or photo libraries. Company representatives clarified to Ars Technica that automated systems are not conducting wholesale inbox scans to assemble external advertising dossiers for third-party commercial partners. External advertisers will not receive direct access to Drive documents, email text, or personally identifiable account credentials such as individual user names.

Account Privacy Controls and Service Disconnection

Google additionally maintained that sensitive demographic attributes, including racial identity, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, or medical status, remain strictly prohibited from tailoring commercial ads. Subscribers seeking to prevent personal communications from informing ad placements can disable Personal Intelligence within Gemini settings or revoke connected content permissions inside Google Account privacy controls.