Google says linked Gmail, Drive and Photos data may personalise ads
Google has updated its privacy policy to say data from Gmail, Drive and Google Photos may be used to personalise ads if users choose to make it available to other Google services. The change matters for people who connect those apps to Search or AI features through Personal Intelligence, which can use personal information to tailor responses and recommendations.
The revised wording, added on 16 October, says Search may process permitted data to personalise content, including ads. Advertisers do not receive the underlying files or identifying details, and Google says it will not target ads using sensitive categories such as health, religion or sexual orientation. Users can disconnect individual apps from Personal Intelligence or turn off personalised recommendations in Search settings.
In short
- Google’s policy now allows ad personalisation using connected app data.
- This may affect users who link Gmail, Drive or Photos to Search AI.
- Users can disconnect apps or disable personalised recommendations.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Allowing linked Gmail, Drive and Photos data to inform ads could make advertising more relevant to users’ interests and needs. Google says users choose whether to connect these services, can disconnect them or turn off personalised recommendations, and advertisers do not receive the underlying files or identifying details.
The case against
Even if users opt in to connected features, they may not expect private emails, documents or photos to shape the ads they see. The change could weaken trust in the boundaries between personal services and advertising, and users may find the policy and settings difficult to understand or manage.
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Originally published by The Verge as “Now Google says it might use your Gmail and Google Photos data to target ads”.