Updated Google privacy policy says your Gmail might be used for advertising
Google’s updated privacy policy appears to allow information from Gmail, Photos and other apps to influence personalised advertising when users connect those services to Google’s AI tools. The change matters because it narrows the practical protection users may have assumed applied to their personal data across Google’s products.
Google updated the policy on 16 October, removing wording that explicitly ruled out ads based on content from Drive, Gmail or Photos. Its Personal Intelligence feature, introduced in early 2026, can connect app data to Gemini and AI search features, where sponsored content may appear. Google says the feature is opt-in, ads are not based directly on inboxes or photo libraries, and sensitive information is not used to tailor ads; it also says the clarification does not change how it handles data with advertising partners.
In short
- Google’s policy now allows connected app data to inform ad personalisation.
- Personal Intelligence links data to AI search features that may show sponsored content.
- Google says the feature is opt-in and sensitive information remains excluded.
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The case for
Google can argue that connecting services to its AI tools is optional and gives users more relevant, useful experiences across products. It says ads are not based directly on inboxes or photo libraries, sensitive information is excluded, and the policy update clarifies existing practices rather than expanding data sharing with advertising partners.
The case against
Users may reasonably expect private material in Gmail, Photos and Drive to remain separate from advertising, especially when earlier policy wording explicitly ruled out using that content for ads. Removing that assurance while linking app data to AI features where sponsored content can appear may weaken meaningful privacy protections, even if the feature is opt-in and Google says it does not target ads directly from those personal libraries.
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