Google may use personal data for advertising

Google may take data from Gmail, Drive, and Photos into account for advertising if a user connects them to personalized AI services. Access can be disabled in settings; advertisers do not receive the content.

Google clarifies when Photos data may affect ads

The company has amended its privacy policy: if a user connects content from Google Photos, Gmail, or Google Drive to certain personalized AI features, that information may be taken into account when selecting ads. According to Android Authority, the updated rules took effect on October 16.

Google previously said it does not use content from Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to personalize ads. An exception has now been added to this rule: it applies if users choose to share data from these services with other Google products that support personalized advertising.

The updated policy states: “We don’t show personalized ads based on the content of your Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos unless you choose to make data from these services available to other Google services that support personalized advertising.”

This does not mean that Google automatically uses every user’s personal emails and photos. The default restriction remains in place. The change may affect people who choose to link their data to certain company services.

This includes connecting Google Drive, Gmail, or Google Photos to AI Mode and other search tools through the Personal Intelligence feature. It lets Google’s AI services provide more relevant answers and recommendations based on information about a particular user. If the relevant apps are connected, their content may also be taken into account when selecting ads.

How to disable access to your content

Users who don’t want their personal data used for targeting can change their Google Account settings. To do this, open “Data & privacy,” go to “Personalization settings” in the “Personalization and activity” section, and then select “Manage personal recommendations in Search services.”

Under “Additional Personal Intelligence features,” there is a “Connected apps with content” option. You can disconnect Google Workspace and Google Photos there to prevent Google Search from accessing content from these services.

Google also emphasizes that advertisers do not get access to files in Google Drive, Gmail messages, or photos. They are not given information that identifies users, including their name and email address.